The Utah Department of Natural Resources warned Thursday that peak runoff has already passed due to record-high temperatures and record-low snowpack, leaving many smaller reservoirs struggling despite larger systems maintaining stable levels.
In a drought update published April 23, 2026, the Utah Division of Water Resources reported that 100% of the state is currently experiencing some form of drought, with 59% classified as extreme drought. While statewide reservoir storage averages 72% full—slightly higher than normal for this time of year—this represents a significant drop from the 82% recorded last year.
Joel Ferry, executive director of the Utah Department of Natural Resources, met with county leaders and water providers on Tuesday to share data intended to support proactive management. Ferry urged county leaders to coordinate with water providers to review drought contingency plans and consider if local drought declarations are necessary.
Ferry noted that while the state provides data and guidance, specific water planning and potential restrictions occur at the local level to reflect specific regional conditions.
The state's Drought Response Committee is monitoring conditions to decide whether to recommend a statewide drought declaration to Governor Spencer Cox. A statewide declaration remains in effect for 30 days unless extended by the Legislature.
As previously established by an executive order issued April 25, 2025, Governor Cox had previously declared a state of emergency in 17 counties, including Washington, Iron, San Juan, and Tooele, due to drought conditions.
Statewide streamflow runoff is anticipated to be approximately 50% of normal, and natural inflows from the Colorado River into Lake Powell are expected to be only 40% of normal this year. To protect critical elevations at Lake Powell, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico approved a plan on March 21 to release between 660,000 and 1 million acre-feet from Flaming Gorge Reservoir through April 2027.
The Department of Natural Resources is promoting the Agricultural Water Optimization Program for farmers and SlowtheFlow.org to provide indoor water-saving tips for residents. The Division of Water Resources also continues to host monthly webinars to assess water conditions and collect feedback from the public.
