After years of drought, Utah’s water outlook brightens

Snowpack contributes to Utah's water outlook
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February 16, 2024 — Yesterday, the Utah Division of Water ResourcesOpens in a new tab. reported, “As we enter mid-February, Utah’s water supply exhibits promising signs of resilience and abundance. The state’s snowpack, consistently above normal levels for most regions, sets an optimistic tone for water conditions.”

Marking a stark change from a year ago, when reservoirs were less than half full, the Division reports that reservoirs are currently at 82% statewide.  This development is good news for one of the driest states in the nation.

“Above-normal snowpack is a significant win for our state as a whole, especially with our rocky start,” Candice Hasenyager, director of the Division of Water Resources, saidOpens in a new tab.. “It positions us well for the coming months and emphasizes the positive impact of recent weather patterns.”

The state’s snowpack was boosted by January storms, with southern Utah seeing the biggest gains. Soil moisture remains in a positive position. This, coupled with an above-normal snowpack and robust reservoir levels, positions the state favorably. Every major watershed in Utah received above-normal precipitation in January.

“The recent storms have benefited the state as a whole and have significantly contributed to addressing water supplies in southern Utah,” Hasenyager said. “This, coupled with high reservoir storage, is good news, but we still need to use our water wisely to help preserve our water supplies.”

Deborah

Since 1995, Deborah has owned and operated LegalTech LLC with a focus on water rights. Before moving to Arizona in 1986, she worked as a quality control analyst for Honeywell and in commercial real estate, both in Texas. She learned about Arizona's water rights from the late and great attorney Michael Brophy of Ryley, Carlock & Applewhite. Her side interests are writing (and reading), Wordpress programming and much more.

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