UTAH RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: January 30, 2026

Utah's dams and reservoirs are facing a variety of storage levels, some atypical for the season. The latest observations indicate that significant reservoirs such as Utah Lake and Flaming Gorge Reservoir are currently experiencing above-average storage, with Utah Lake at 688,309 acre-feet, significantly higher than its average of 629,818 acre-feet, and Flaming Gorge at 2,994,084 acre-feet compared to an average of 2,915,243.35 acre-feet. Conversely, Trial Lake, Willard Bay, Steinaker, and Red Fleet reservoirs report lower storage levels than average, suggesting potential water supply concerns. For example, Trial Lake's storage is just 411 acre-feet, less than half of its average of 944.15 acre-feet. These abnormal storage conditions may be attributed to various factors such as regional snowpack levels, river flows, and water management policies influenced by multi-state agreements over Colorado River water use, as reported by sources like The New York Times and Utah Public Radio.

Abnormal conditions at some Utah reservoirs raise concerns as they deviate from typical storage levels for this time of year. Stewart Lake Outflow is notably reduced, with a current streamflow of only 1 ft³/s compared to an average of 2.45 ft³/s. Drought conditions, influenced by changing climate patterns and increased water demand, are contributing factors to the observed discrepancies. Strawberry Reservoir (Expanded), however, shows a contrasting trend with a current storage of 942,621 acre-feet, surpassing its average of 795,415.34 acre-feet. These anomalies underscore the challenges in water management amidst the pressures of a growing population and environmental changes. The conditions of Utah's dams and reservoirs serve as a critical indicator for ongoing discussions about conservation and sustainable resource use, as highlighted in the recent articles from sources like abc4.com and The Cool Down.

Please note that this report is based on a hypothetical dataset and sources provided for the purposes of this exercise. It would be essential to cross-reference these observations with official data from the Utah Division of Water Resources or the United States Geological Survey (USGS) for a real-world analysis.

Utah has over 100 reservoirs and dams, many of which are used for irrigation, hydroelectric power, and recreation. Major reservoirs in the state include Lake Powell, Flaming Gorge Reservoir, and Strawberry Reservoir. Water for these reservoirs comes from streams and rivers, including the Colorado River and its tributaries, the Green River, and the Provo River. Snowpack from the mountains is a significant source of water for these streams and rivers. Utah experiences a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Drought conditions have been prevalent in recent years, leading to low water levels in some reservoirs. However, record snowfall in 2019 helped to replenish some of these reservoirs. Seasonal trends typically see higher water levels in the spring and early summer due to snowmelt, with levels decreasing in late summer and fall. Overall, reservoirs and dams play a crucial role in managing Utah's water resources and supporting various industries and recreational activities.

Utah has over 100 reservoirs and dams, many of which are used for irrigation, hydroelectric power, and recreation. Major reservoirs in the state include Lake Powell, Flaming Gorge Reservoir, and Strawberry Reservoir. Water for these reservoirs comes from streams and rivers, including the Colorado River and its tributaries, the Green River, and the Provo River. Snowpack from the mountains is a significant source of water for these streams and rivers. Utah experiences a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Drought conditions have been prevalent in recent years, leading to low water levels in some reservoirs. However, record snowfall in 2019 helped to replenish some of these reservoirs. Seasonal trends typically see higher water levels in the spring and early summer due to snowmelt, with levels decreasing in late summer and fall. Overall, reservoirs and dams play a crucial role in managing Utah's water resources and supporting various industries and recreational activities.