UTAH RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 24, 2025

Utah's dams and reservoirs are experiencing varied conditions as of the last observation on December 24, 2025. While some reservoirs like Utah Lake and Flaming Gorge Reservoir are recording storage levels above average, with Utah Lake at 666,735 acre-feet compared to an average of 629,767.91 acre-feet, and Flaming Gorge at 2,994,774 acre-feet versus an average of 2,915,114.28 acre-feet, others such as Trial Lake and Willard Bay Reservoir are significantly below their average levels. Trial Lake's storage is at 347 acre-feet, a stark contrast to its usual 946.79 acre-feet, and Willard Bay is at 81,382 acre-feet, well below the average of 135,514.17 acre-feet. Notably, the Stewart Lake Outflow is reporting streamflow at 1 ft³/s, significantly less than its average flow of 2.45 ft³/s.

The disparity in reservoir conditions can be attributed to several factors, including Utah experiencing its second-warmest December on record, which likely affects snowpack levels and, consequently, water inflow into reservoirs. Additionally, the region's broader water crisis is referenced by the relocation of an Olympic qualifier event, emphasizing the impact of the water shortages in the West. Despite expectations of benefits from an atmospheric river, the current storage levels and streamflows reflect an ongoing strain on water resources. Reservoirs like Strawberry Reservoir have expanded storage, currently at 939,104 acre-feet against an average of 795,042.7 acre-feet, possibly due to altered management in response to the water crisis highlighted by federal demands for compromise over the Colorado River. Meanwhile, reservoirs like Moon Lake and Lost Creek are also below average, indicating that the abnormal conditions are widespread. The state's water infrastructure is under stress, and these storage levels may affect public land usage, recreation, and community resources, as discussed in a year-in-review article from The Times-Independent. This situation underscores the critical nature of water management in the face of climatic variations and demands proactive and cooperative measures to ensure sustainable water usage in Utah.

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.