100% of Utah now in drought as state braces for difficult summer

Strawberry Reservoir. Photo: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah is heading into summer under worsening drought conditions, with state officials warning that dry conditions are already straining reservoirs, wildlife, recreation, and water supplies across the state.

According to the Utah Department of Natural Resources, 100% of Utah is now experiencing some level of drought, while 59% of the state is classified in extreme drought. Officials say the combination of low snowpack, early runoff, and rising temperatures is creating conditions similar to 2021, one of Utah’s most severe drought years on record.

“This drought will test our resiliency,” said Joel Ferry, executive director of the Utah Department of Natural Resources. “We have seen our peak stream flows well before our peak demand. We must do as much as we can to hold onto our stored water.”

Reservoir storage statewide currently averages 71% full, down from 82% at the same time last year. While officials say that level is still considered normal for this point in the season, many reservoirs and rivers are already showing signs of stress.

Water impacts on recreation and fishing

Several Utah state parks are experiencing extremely low water levels, forcing some boat ramps to close to protect visitors and property. State officials are encouraging visitors to check current ramp conditions before traveling.

The drought is also impacting fish populations and wildlife management. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources announced adjustments to fish stocking efforts, including stocking fewer fish in drought-stricken water bodies and shifting toward species better suited for warmer water temperatures.

Emergency fishing limit increases have also been issued at Crouse Reservoir in Uintah County and Nine Mile Reservoir in Sanpete County due to declining water levels and poor snowpack conditions.

“With the drought-related low water levels at Crouse Reservoir and Nine Mile Reservoir, we want anglers to be able to harvest these fish so they can be used and not wasted as water levels continue to decline throughout the summer,” said Riley Peck.

At Crouse Reservoir, anglers can now keep eight trout per day through Dec. 31. At Nine Mile Reservoir, the limit has increased to 16 trout per day through Oct. 1.

Wildfire concerns

Water managers say runoff is arriving unusually early and disappearing quickly.

Wildfire concerns are also mounting across southern and eastern Utah, where hotter-than-normal temperatures, dry vegetation, and wind are expected to increase fire danger throughout the summer.

State officials say vegetation is already curing four to six weeks earlier than normal, while dead vegetation left standing from a lack of snowpack is creating additional fuel for fires.

Although Utah has recorded 10 fewer wildfires so far this year compared to 2025, fire officials warn that conditions are primed for above-normal wildfire potential in the months ahead.

State leaders are encouraging Utahns to conserve water through programs like Slow the Flow and the state’s Agricultural Water Optimization Program.

Officials say indoor and outdoor conservation efforts will be critical as Utah braces for what could become another difficult water year.