UTAH RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

As of December 2025, Utah's reservoirs and dams exhibit varied conditions, with some water storage levels deviating from the average for this time of year. Notably, Utah Lake reports higher-than-average levels at 654,581 acre-feet compared to the average of 629,763.36 acre-feet. Similarly, Flaming Gorge Reservoir exceeds its average storage (2,915,097.04 acre-feet) with a current storage of 2,999,266 acre-feet. Conversely, Trial Lake's storage is significantly lower than its average of 947.09 acre-feet, currently at 340 acre-feet. This divergence in water storage levels across Utah's dams and reservoirs can be attributed to the state's snowpack being at only 55% of the norm, according to KSLTV.com, combined with subsequent impacts on river flows feeding into the reservoir systems.

Several dams are experiencing abnormal conditions, which could impact water management strategies. For instance, Willard Bay Reservoir is notably below its average storage level of 135,541.13 acre-feet at 82,163 acre-feet, and Trial Lake's current storage of 340 acre-feet is a sharp decline from its average of 947.09 acre-feet. These deficiencies could be linked to the broader regional issues such as the slowest snow collection in the West in at least 25 years, as noted by AOL.com, affecting the Colorado River basin as a whole. Furthermore, the Colorado River is under scrutiny for water allocation among states, as highlighted by The Salt Lake Tribune and Fox 59, with federal pressure mounting for a sustainable agreement. These reservoir conditions pose a risk to water supply stability, as well as to agriculture and ecosystems that depend on consistent water availability. In sum, while some Utah reservoirs are currently faring well, others reflect the challenges of diminished snowpack and competing water demands in the region.

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.