Utah's Snowpack Hits Record Low

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Utah is experiencing its worst winter on record, with snowpack levels across the state measuring among the lowest since monitoring began in 1980. Four major watersheds have record-low snow, and another six are on the brink of setting historic lows. Water managers are bracing for another difficult year, with potential water restrictions and challenges for the Great Salt Lake.

Why it matters

Utah's water supply is heavily dependent on mountain snowpack, which provides more than 95% of the state's water. The record-low snowpack levels this winter will have significant impacts on water availability for communities, agriculture, and the fragile Great Salt Lake ecosystem.

The details

As of early February, Utah's statewide snowpack is only about one-third of normal levels. Thirty-one of the state's 140 SNOTEL monitoring sites recorded the worst snow-water equivalent ever documented for this time of year, with another 12 sites showing the second-worst conditions on record. Water managers say they are bracing for a year nearly as bad as 2022, when watering restrictions led to brown lawns, dead trees, and difficult decisions for farmers.

• On Monday, the National Resources Conservation Service issued a special report noting the record-low snowpack levels.
• Utah typically sees its peak snowpack in early April, leaving only about two months left in the season to accumulate snow before it begins to melt.

What’s next

Water managers say they are bracing for a year nearly as bad as 2022, when watering restrictions led to brown lawns, dead trees, and difficult decisions for farmers. Cities may even have to enact drinking water restrictions.