Utah's Record-Breaking Snow Year Ends as Reservoir Levels Drop

State takes over defunct US Magnesium facility, gaining water rights

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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After a record-breaking snow year in Utah, reservoir storage levels have started to decline, signaling the end of the state's historic winter precipitation. In response, the State of Utah has won a $30 million bid to take over the assets of the now-defunct US Magnesium facility on the Great Salt Lake, which includes nearly 145,000 acre-feet of water rights.

Why it matters

The drop in reservoir levels is a concern for Utah's long-term water supply, as the state has faced persistent drought conditions in recent years. The acquisition of the US Magnesium facility and its associated water rights is seen as a strategic move to bolster the state's water security.

The details

The record-breaking snow year in Utah has 'run its course', according to state officials, leading to a decline in reservoir storage levels. To address this, the State of Utah has won a $30 million bid to take over the assets of the now-defunct US Magnesium facility on the Great Salt Lake. This acquisition includes nearly 145,000 acre-feet of water rights, which will help the state manage its water resources more effectively.

  • Utah experienced a record-breaking snow year in the winter of 2025-2026.
  • The State of Utah won the $30 million bid to take over the US Magnesium facility in February 2026.

The players

State of Utah

The state government of Utah, which has won a $30 million bid to take over the assets of the now-defunct US Magnesium facility on the Great Salt Lake, including nearly 145,000 acre-feet of water rights.

US Magnesium

A now-defunct facility on the Great Salt Lake, the assets of which have been acquired by the State of Utah for $30 million, including nearly 145,000 acre-feet of water rights.

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The takeaway

The acquisition of the US Magnesium facility and its associated water rights is a strategic move by the State of Utah to bolster its long-term water security in the face of persistent drought conditions and declining reservoir levels following a record-breaking snow year.