UTAH RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 22, 2025

The latest observations indicate that several of Utah's reservoirs and dams are experiencing abnormal storage levels for the time of year. For instance, Utah Lake is currently reporting storage levels at 661,952 acre-feet, significantly higher than its average of 629,766 acre-feet. Contrarily, Trial Lake's storage levels are considerably lower than usual, at 343 acre-feet compared to an average of 946.94 acre-feet. Flaming Gorge Reservoir, a major water storage site, is also above average with 2,994,774 acre-feet against the expected 2,915,107.35 acre-feet. Conversely, Willard Bay Reservoir shows a marked decrease, with current storage at 81,577 acre-feet, well below its average of 135,524.98 acre-feet. These conditions may be tied to various factors such as snowpack levels, river flows, and regional climate conditions, including unusually warm and wet weather patterns as reported by FOX 13 News Utah.

Recent reports concerning the Colorado River, which feeds into some of Utah's water systems, have highlighted the challenges of water negotiations amidst ongoing shortages, as detailed by sources like Nevada Current and coyotegulch.blog. The falling levels in some reservoirs could be a reflection of the broader issues in the Colorado River Basin. For example, the below-average outflow observed at Stewart Lake Outflow near Jensen, at 1 ft³/s against an average of 2.45 ft³/s, could be symptomatic of the wider water scarcity issues. Meanwhile, facilities like Strawberry Reservoir are experiencing higher-than-normal levels, with current storage at 937,827 acre-feet, surpassing the average by over 140,000 acre-feet. Such anomalies in storage data may be influenced by changing patterns in regional precipitation and management measures undertaken to address the water shortage crisis in the Colorado River system. These conditions underscore the importance of ongoing discussions and negotiations regarding water management and highlight the complexities of reservoir operations in a changing climate.

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.