State reservoirs reach 86% capacity thanks to ample snowpack

Photo: A view of Utah from space on Tuesday, a nearly cloudless day. Imagery is from the GOES-West satellite.

PARK CITY, Utah —Recent late-season snow storms have improved the outlook for reservoir levels in Utah this summer. The state is also well ahead of a three-year average when it comes to snow water equivalent (SWE), according to the Utah Division of Water Resources. Data shared Monday shows Utah’s SWE now sits at 132 percent of median levels and as a result, reservoir levels statewide have reached near-total capacity.

Snow water equivalent is a metric used to determine how much water the snowpack contains, and it helps water and resource managers plan for water use throughout the year. 

The three-year average SWE for the Great Salt Lake Basin is 58.8 inches, and the current SWE for the last two years alone is just 1.6 inches away from that level at 57.2 inches. Statewide, the three-year average is 48 inches, and the statewide total for the last two years is 47.1 inches, with more on the way.

All of this means there is going to be plenty of water available for recreation and agriculture this summer, Michael Sanchez, Public Information Officer for the Utah Division of Water Resources said.

What’s more, Sanchez reported, is that Utah reservoirs are currently 86% full state-wide. 

“What is surprising about that statistic is that we are 30% higher than this time last year and 20% above normal,” Sanchez said. 

With the mountains still covered in snow and Utah ski resorts extending their closing dates, water managers will be anticipating the snowpack melting and reservoirs being released and refilled. 

“What we really want is a Goldilocks scenario. If it gets too hot too fast that will lead to flooding and if the snow melts too slowly it will soak into the ground,” Sanchez said. 

Last year’s record snow year coupled with this season makes for two good years in a row, he said. Still, the department is urging people to conserve water. 

Slowtheflow.org is an online resource with information on how homeowners and businesses can effectively conserve water and the website also provides information about current incentive and rebate programs.