UTAH RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 30, 2025

Utah's reservoirs and dams are experiencing mixed storage levels as of the latest observations, which could be indicative of broader environmental patterns. Notably, Utah Lake is reporting higher-than-average storage, standing at 662,541 acre-feet compared to the average of 629,774.6 acre-feet. In contrast, Trial Lake shows a significant decrease, with current storage levels at 347 acre-feet against an average of 946.79 acre-feet. Other reservoirs, such as Flaming Gorge, exhibit an increase in storage, with current levels at 2,997,538 acre-feet, over the average of 2,915,135.47 acre-feet. Conversely, Willard Bay Reservoir is considerably lower than expected, with only 81,870 acre-feet in comparison to its average of 135,481.84 acre-feet. These variations can have consequences for water supply, recreation, and ecological balance.

Abnormal conditions at certain dams may be tied to factors like the previous year’s wildfire impact on watershed areas, reduced snowpack, or altered river flows. For instance, the reduced streamflow of 1 ft³/s at Stewart Lake Outflow, down from an average of 2.45 ft³/s, could be a result of decreased snowmelt or precipitation, potentially exacerbated by the 'insane' wildfire activity reported in 2025. On the other hand, Strawberry Reservoir's expanded storage of 942,141 acre-feet, well above the average of 795,102.12 acre-feet, might suggest higher runoff volumes, possibly due to an above-average snowpack or increased precipitation. The conditions of these water bodies must be continuously monitored as they can affect water management strategies, agricultural use, and the local environment. Cross-referencing with multiple data sources, including news articles highlighting the extreme nature of Utah’s recent wildfire season, helps confirm the authenticity of these observed trends and their implications for the state’s water resources.

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.