The Utah Division of Water Resources reports that the state's snowpack reached its peak ten days early this year. This early peak, combined with record-dry soils, has decreased the efficiency of runoff that typically fills the state's lakes, rivers, and streams.
Record dry weather in 2020 marked the eighth warmest calendar year on record. Current soil moisture levels have reached their lowest points since monitoring began in 2006.
Because of these low moisture levels, the ground is expected to soak up precipitation first, which reduces the amount of runoff available to fill reservoirs and streams.
All 29 counties in Utah are currently experiencing some level of drought. While agencies continue to monitor water levels closely to react to changing conditions, officials noted that opportunities exist to decrease water use through aggressive conservation efforts.
