Snowpack still below median levels

The Utah Division of Water Resources issued an update on Utah’s drought situation on Thursday, stating that despite several sizable storms throughout February and early March, the snowpack is still “below the median” at this point in the year. Photo: Deer Creek State Park.

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Division of Water Resources issued an update on Utah’s drought situation on Thursday, stating that despite several sizable storms throughout February and early March, the snowpack is still “below the median” at this point in the year.

Good to make up some positive ground for snowpack the past few days, but still only 81% of 1991-2020 median. pic.twitter.com/ggrIzAURYx

— Jim Steenburgh (@ProfessorPowder) March 10, 2022

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With approximately 33.34% of Utah in an extreme drought, 96.93% of the state in severe drought and 95% of the water supply dependent on the snowpack, the Utah Division of Water Resources shared that Utah will need above-average snowstorms in order fill the reservoirs.

“The good news is that we have almost double the moisture in our soil compared to this time last year, which will improve runoff efficiency,” Brian Steed, executive director of the Department of Natural Resources said. “The bad news is that reservoir storage is significantly lower than this time last year, with a statewide average of about 55% of capacity.”

As steed mentioned, the soil moisture is well above its usual average, measuring in at about 7.3% above normal levels for this time of year. However, with 28 of the state’s reservoirs below the 55% average and the statewide snow water equivalent (how much water would be in the snowpack if it melted) at only 86% of median, Utah is in desperate need of precipitation.

Utah still has 25 days until the snowpack typically peaks.

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