Governor Spencer J. Cox issued an executive order declaring a state of and emergency in 17 counties due to drought conditions. The declaration follows low streamflow forecasts, rising temperatures that increase water demand, and extreme drought affecting southern Utah.
The affected counties include Washington, Iron, San Juan, Kane, Juab, Emery, Grand, Beaver, Garfield, Piute, Millard, Tooele, Uintah, Carbon, Sevier, Sanpete, and Wayne. This action reflects USDA disaster classifications informed by the U.S. Drought Monitor and the NRCS water supply report.
The drought declaration comes after the Drought Response Committee recommended the action during a recent meeting. Governor Cox stated that the state is monitoring conditions closely and noted that streamflow forecasts are low, particularly in southern Utah. He urged all Utahns to be mindful of water use and find ways to conserve as water conservation is critical for the state's future.
While Utah's snowpack peaked at 14.3 inches on March 23, matching the typical annual peak, southwestern Utah experienced a snowpack that was only about 44% of normal. Additionally, winter temperatures were 2 degrees Fahrenheit higher than normal. Currently, severe drought covers 42% of the state, with 4% categorized as extreme drought.
Joel Ferry, executive director for the Utah Department of Natural Resources, said the state partners with federal agencies to share water supply and drought updates. He emphasized that proactive planning is essential and asked all sectors to use less water to help stretch the current supply.
Reservoir storage is currently at 84% of capacity, which officials say will help the state weather the drought, though they noted that drought remains unpredictable.
The Utah Drought Response Plan, prepared in 2022, outlines the process for monitoring water supply availability. The Division of Water Resources monitors conditions through monthly coordination with state and federal partners, and the Drought Response Committee meets more frequently if drought develops.
