UTAH RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: January 2, 2026

As of the latest observations, Utah's dams and reservoirs exhibit a mixed picture concerning storage levels, with some facilities showing storage levels deviating significantly from their averages. Utah Lake and Flaming Gorge Reservoir are above their typical storage values, with Utah Lake having 662,717 acre-feet against an average of 629,777.62 acre-feet, and Flaming Gorge with 2,995,465 acre-feet versus an average of 2,915,149.48 acre-feet. In contrast, facilities like Trial Lake, Steinaker Reservoir, and Willard Bay Reservoir show marked decreases, with Trial Lake at only 353 acre-feet compared to an average of 946.27 acre-feet, Steinaker Reservoir at 9,818 acre-feet against an average of 19,508.63 acre-feet, and Willard Bay at 82,065 acre-feet from an average of 135,460.43 acre-feet.

These abnormal conditions can be partially attributed to one of Utah's lowest snowpacks entering the New Year, as reported by KSL.com. Less snowpack leads to decreased runoff and river flows, impacting reservoir recharge rates. For instance, the significantly lower outflow near Jensen at Stewart Lake suggests river flows are below average, which can affect downstream storage. Conversely, some reservoirs like Strawberry Reservoir are experiencing higher-than-average storage levels, sitting at 942,941 acre-feet compared to the average of 795,132.19 acre-feet, possibly due to local precipitation events or water management strategies. Opinion pieces like the one from SummitDaily.com suggest that the perceived abundance of water may be illusory, given the fluctuations and the broader concerns of climate variability and water management practices. It is crucial to continue monitoring these trends, as they have implications for water supply, ecosystem health, and water management policies 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.