UTAH RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

In Utah, the latest observations indicate varying conditions across the state's dams and reservoirs. Utah Lake is currently above its average storage level, with 656,545 acre-feet compared to its average of 629,764 acre-feet, a potential indicator of sufficient inflow or conservation measures. On the other end of the spectrum, Trial Lake, Steinaker Reservoir, and Newton Reservoir have significantly lower current storage levels than their averages, signaling potential water stress. For instance, Trial Lake's current storage is at 340 acre-feet, well below its average of 947.01 acre-feet. Similarly, Steinaker and Newton Reservoirs are at 9,042 and 1,067 acre-feet, respectively, both considerably under their usual storage levels. Flaming Gorge Reservoir, however, is experiencing higher than average storage, with 2,995,120 acre-feet versus an average of 2,915,100.37 acre-feet. This could be due to recent weather patterns or variations in water management strategies.

Abnormal conditions, such as the lower storage levels at certain reservoirs, could be tied to the broader regional issues of prolonged drought and below-average snowpacks, as reported by multiple news sources. For example, Cache Valley Daily notes that 93% of Utah is in drought due to record warmth and low snow totals. This aligns with the issues seen in reservoirs such as Trial Lake, indicative of the state's struggle with water scarcity. The warm and dry start to winter, as mentioned by KPCW, further compounds the stress on water storage and management. Meanwhile, the Flaming Gorge Reservoir's higher storage levels may be attributed to its position within the Colorado River basin, currently a focal point of regional and political negotiations due to water scarcity concerns as detailed in Inside Climate News and Politico articles. These negotiations and the state of the Colorado River have significant implications for water resource management and the conditions of reservoirs dependent on its flow. The ongoing climate trends and political discussions highlight the complexities of water management in Utah and the importance of continued monitoring and adaptive strategies to address these abnormal conditions.

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.