Utah Snowpack Hits Record Lows, Raising Concerns About Runoff

Statewide snowpack well below normal as February closes, with some basins setting new records

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Utah's snowpack levels have continued to hover around record-poor condition, with the statewide snow water equivalent (SWE) measuring just 61% of the median as of March 1, 2026. Several major basins, including Tooele Valley-Vernon Creek, have set new record lows, raising concerns about subpar runoff generation during the spring melt season.

Why it matters

Low snowpack levels can have significant impacts on water supplies, agriculture, and ecosystems in Utah. Reduced spring runoff can lead to lower reservoir levels, water shortages, and stress on wildlife and vegetation that depend on seasonal snowmelt. This is a growing concern as the state grapples with long-term drought conditions.

The details

Despite some decent storm activity in February, Utah's snowpack has remained in record-poor condition, with the highest elevations seeing near-normal SWE but a sharp drop-off at lower elevations. The Tooele Valley-Vernon Basin, for example, started February at 30% of the median SWE and only reached 49% by early March - well below the typical levels. Reservoirs in the area, like Settlement Canyon and Grantsville, are also running below their 30-year averages for this time of year.

  • As of March 1, 2026, Utah's statewide SWE was 61% of the median.
  • The Tooele Valley-Vernon Basin's SWE on March 9, 2026 was 6.6 inches, a record low by 1 full inch.
  • Typically, the SWE in the Tooele Valley-Vernon Basin peaks around 17.2 inches on April 4, before dropping to zero around May 28. In the worst year on record, the peak was just 8 inches on March 15, dropping to zero by April 24.

The players

Jordan Clayton

Data collection officer and supervisor for the Utah Snow Survey at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service.

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What they’re saying

“Despite some decent storm activity during February, Utah's snowpack has continued to hover around record-poor condition.”

— Jordan Clayton, Data collection officer and supervisor, Utah Snow Survey (tooeleonline.com)

What’s next

Water users should prepare for the likelihood of subpar runoff generation from this year's record-low snowpack, which could lead to water shortages and other impacts across the state.

The takeaway

The dire snowpack conditions in Utah this winter highlight the growing challenges the state faces due to long-term drought and climate change, underscoring the need for comprehensive water management strategies to ensure reliable supplies for communities, agriculture, and the environment.