Last Updated: January 1, 2026
The streamflows in Utah's rivers are showing variability with some rivers currently flowing at levels significantly below normal, indicating potential flow droughts and reduced water availability for river users. The Colorado River near Cisco, for instance, is flowing at 2,080 cubic feet per second (cfs), which is about 29% below what is typical for this time of year, possibly affecting the water supply for the surrounding communities and ecosystems. Similarly, the Green River near Greendale and Jensen is also flowing below normal by approximately 30% and 47%, respectively. This could have implications for whitewater activities in these popular areas, including the Dinosaur National Monument near the Green River. Conversely, some rivers like the Dirty Devil above Poison Spring Wash near Hanksville are experiencing higher-than-normal streamflows, currently at 173 cfs, which is over 58% above the norm and might be cause for attention due to possible flooding risks.
Notably, the Virgin River near Hurricane is flowing at 190 cfs, which is just above the normal rate, indicating stable conditions in that watershed. However, the Virgin River at Virgin is slightly below normal, potentially impacting water enthusiasts in that region. Additionally, the Sevier River, vital for irrigation and wildlife, is showing signs of decreased flow, which, if persistent, may affect agricultural activities. While the Bear River near Corinne is above normal flow, it is not by a significant margin, presenting less immediate concern for abnormal conditions. Enthusiasts and stakeholders should stay informed about such trends as the season progresses, considering the importance of these rivers for recreational activities, local economies, and environmental health. With streamflow changes occurring in the last 24 hours across these rivers, it's crucial for enthusiasts to keep up-to-date with the latest data for safety and planning purposes.
Utah has a semi-arid climate with variable precipitation patterns and significant snowfall in the mountains. Major surface flows include the Great Salt Lake, Utah Lake, and Bear Lake, with numerous reservoirs and dams throughout the state. The Colorado River and its tributaries, including the Green River, are vital sources of water for Utah. The state's hydrology is heavily influenced by its topography, with the Wasatch Mountains playing a key role in snowpack accumulation and runoff. The snowpack is critical for providing water to the state's major rivers and irrigation systems. Watershed data is closely monitored to predict and manage water availability in the state, with a focus on balancing agricultural, municipal, and environmental needs.
The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City has issued multiple Winter Weather Advisories for parts of Utah, warning residents of significant snowfall and potential freezing rain. Areas above 7500 ft in the Wasatch Mountains, both north and south of I-80, as well as the Western Uinta Mountains, are expected to experience 3 to 12 inches of snow, with local accumulations up to 12 inches through Friday at 11 AM MST. Additionally, the Great Salt Lake Desert, Tooele, and Rush Valleys may see up to one-tenth of an inch of freezing rain, creating slick and hazardous road conditions that could impact travel, including the morning commute on I-80. Residents in these regions should exercise caution, especially during the heaviest snowfall late Thursday evening into early Friday morning, and remain vigilant for freezing rain which could extend beyond the initial forecast period.
| River Run | Status | Streamflow (CFS) | Air Temp (F) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
3rd Dam to 2nd Dam
Class II+ to III |
TOO HIGH | 199 | 62 |
|
A Section
Class I to II |
RUNNABLE | 1200 | 64 |
|
Avantiquan
Class III |
49.26 | ||
|
B Section
Class II+ to III- |
TOO HIGH | 1200 | 64 |
|
Below Ogden Play Park
Class II |
RUNNABLE | 3430 | 70 |
|
Bridal Veil (BV)
Class III to IV |
TOO HIGH | 340 | 63 |
|
C Section
Class II- to II |
RUNNABLE | 1200 | 64 |
|
Calf Creek to Lake Powell
Class III- to III |
TOO LOW | 128 | 66 |
|
Cataract Canyon
Class III to IV |
65.7 | ||
|
Cisco to Hittle Bottom
Class I to II |
TOO HIGH | 4620 | 77 |
|
Clear Creek
Class III- to III |
55.09 | ||
|
Desolation Canyon
Class II to III |
TOO HIGH | 2600 | 83 |
|
East Fork of the Blacks Fork
Class II to II+ |
RUNNABLE | 44.8 | 56 |
|
Fremont Canyon (Torrey to Capitol Reef)
Class V to V+ |
TOO LOW | 53.8 | 69 |
|
Green River Daily
Class II to II+ |
63.28 | ||
|
Henefer to Taggert
Class II- to III |
RUNNABLE | 0.77 | 68 |
|
Hittle Bottom to Rocky Rapid
Class II+ to III |
TOO HIGH | 4620 | 77 |
|
I-70 to Tomsich Butte
Class II to III- |
RUNNABLE | 14.1 | 71 |
|
Labyrinth and Stillwater Canyons
Class I |
TOO HIGH | 2600 | 83 |
|
Leamington Canyon (Hwy 132 to Leamington)
Class II+ to III |
TOO LOW | 505 | 74 |
|
Little Grand Canyon
Class I to II |
58.46 | ||
|
Logan Town Run
Class II+ to III- |
TOO HIGH | 127 | 64 |
|
Lower Ogden
Class III+ |
TOO LOW | 153 | 61 |
|
Marysvale Canyon
Class III- to IV |
TOO LOW | 505 | 74 |
|
Mexican Hat to Clay Hills
Class II to III |
RUNNABLE | 530 | 80 |
|
Middle Provo (Jordanelle to Deer Creek)
Class II+ |
TOO HIGH | 239 | 60 |
|
Moab Daily - Hittle Bottom to Take Out Beach
Class II+ to III |
TOO HIGH | 4620 | 77 |
|
Morgan Waterfall
Class III+ |
RUNNABLE | 0.77 | 68 |
|
Mouth of Weber Canyon to Riverdale
Class III |
RUNNABLE | 0.77 | 68 |
|
MP 51.5 to Chalk Creek Bridge
Class IV |
47.07 | ||
|
NF-Zion Park-Satan's Staircase
Class IV |
TOO LOW | 59.5 | 82 |
|
Ogden Narrows
Class III+ to IV |
RUNNABLE | 153 | 61 |
|
Ogden Play Park
Class III- |
TOO HIGH | 324 | 71 |
|
Ouray to Sand Wash
Class I |
RUNNABLE | 888 | 60 |
|
Park and Ride to Old Mill Catch Pond
Class IV to V |
TOO HIGH | 92.3 | 73 |
|
Peterson to Eggs
Class II |
57.18 | ||
|
Price Canyon
Class IV |
52.11 | ||
|
Rainbow Gardens
Class III to IV- |
RUNNABLE | 153 | 61 |
|
Ricks Spring to Wood Camp Campground
Class III+ to IV |
TOO HIGH | 127 | 64 |
|
Riverdale Wave
Class III- |
TOO LOW | 0.77 | 68 |
|
Round Valley
Class II |
RUNNABLE | 0.77 | 68 |
|
Sand Island to Mexican Hat
Class II |
RUNNABLE | 530 | 80 |
|
Scofield Reservoir to Emma Park
Class III |
47.46 | ||
|
Scrambled Eggs Bend
Class IV |
TOO HIGH | 308 | 69 |
|
Sixth Water
Class V- to V |
RUNNABLE | 31.9 | 67 |
|
Skeletor's Gorge
Class IV+ |
TOO HIGH | 11.7 | 62 |
|
South Fork Confluence to Below the Narrows
Class II to II+ |
RUNNABLE | 76.1 | 67 |
|
Spanish Fork
Class III- |
RUNNABLE | 148 | 71 |
|
Split Mountain
Class II+ to IV- |
RUNNABLE | 888 | 60 |
|
Split Mountain to Ouray
Class I |
RUNNABLE | 888 | 60 |
|
Staircase Section - 2nd Dam to 1st Dam
Class IV+ to V- |
TOO HIGH | 127 | 64 |
|
Stillwater Camp - East Fork
Class III+ |
RUNNABLE | 155 | 58 |
|
Swallow Canyon to Lodore
Class I |
RUNNABLE | 888 | 60 |
|
The Chute - Tomsich Butte to Hidden Splender
Class II to II+ |
RUNNABLE | 14.1 | 71 |
|
Tibble Res Down
Class IV |
52.43 | ||
|
Timpoweap Canyon
Class V |
TOO LOW | 59.5 | 82 |
|
Uinta River (Uinta Valley Campground to Power Plant)
Class II- to II+ |
TOO HIGH | 59.6 | 62 |
|
Uinta River (Uinta Valley Campground to Power Plant)
Class II- to II+ |
TOO HIGH | 59.6 | 62 |
|
Uinta River (Uinta Valley Campground to Power Plant)
Class II- to II+ |
TOO HIGH | 59.6 | 62 |
|
Upper Provo Falls
Class V- to V+ |
RUNNABLE | 239 | 60 |
|
Upper Slate Gorge
Class IV |
RUNNABLE | 239 | 60 |
|
Virgin River Gorge
Class III- |
TOO LOW | 59.5 | 82 |
|
Wellington to Woodside
Class II to II+ |
56.41 | ||
|
West Fork of the Blacks Fork
Class II to II+ |
RUNNABLE | 44.8 | 56 |
|
Westwater
Class III to IV |
TOO HIGH | 4620 | 77 |
|
Woodside to Green River Confluence
Class II to III |
60.89 | ||
|
Yellowstone River (Swift Creek to Reservoir)
Class II to II+ |
RUNNABLE | 61.8 | 64 |
|
Yellowstone River (Swift Creek to Reservoir)
Class II to II+ |
RUNNABLE | 61.8 | 64 |
|
Zion Narrows
Class III+ |
TOO LOW | 93.8 | 83 |