Nearly 80% of Utah drought-free for first time since 2019

Jordanelle Reservoir, Aug. 2023. Photo: Michele Roepke // TownLift

UTAH — As of Tuesday, nearly 80% of Utah is not experiencing drought conditions of any kind, according to data from U.S. Drought Monitor. The last time more than 75% of the state was drought-free was in July, 2019.

At this same time last year, the entire state experienced drought conditions with nearly 96% of the state in severe to exceptional drought.

Much of this improvement can be attributed to the 2022-23 winter season, the snowiest winter since record-keeping began in 1930, with a peak snowpack level of 30 inches this April.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

How full are Utah’s reservoirs?

According to data from the Utah Division of Water Resources, Utah’s reservoirs are at 48% capacity, up from 33% capacity at this same time in 2022. However, reservoir levels statewide are still below the median of 62% capacity for this time of year.

Three reservoirs in particular, Yuba, Lake Powell, and Lower Enterprise are currently dragging the state average down at 13%, 36% and 19% capacity, respectively.

All reservoirs in Summit and Wasatch Counties are currently either at or above median capacity:

• Deer Creek Reservoir is at 87% capacity. At this time last year, the reservoir was at 52% capacity. Its median capacity is 69%.
• Rockport Reservoir is at 80% capacity. At this time last year, the reservoir was at 69% capacity. Its median capacity is 72%.
• East Canyon Reservoir is at 80% capacity. At this time last year ,the reservoir was at 57% capacity. Its median capacity is 69%.
• Echo Reservoir is at 67% capacity. At this time last year, the reservoir was at 41% capacity. Its median capacity is 58%.
• Jordanelle Reservoir is at 85% capacity. At this time last year, the reservoir was at 66% capacity. Its median capacity is 81%.
• Currant Creek Reservoir currently sits at 95% capacity. At this time last year, the reservoir was at 94% capacity. Its median capacity is 95%.
• Strawberry Reservoir is at 88% capacity. At this time last year, the reservoir was at 73% capacity. Its median capacity is 79%.
• Smith and Morehouse Reservoir is at 86% capacity. At this time last year ,the reservoir was at 61% capacity. Its median capacity is 80%.