Utah's dams and reservoirs are integral to water management, agriculture, and recreation within the state. Recent observations indicate varying storage levels, with some reservoirs experiencing higher than average volumes while others sit below their expected capacity. For instance, Utah Lake and Flaming Gorge Reservoir are currently reporting water storage levels significantly above their averages, with Utah Lake at 766,638 acre-feet and Flaming Gorge at 3,140,339 acre-feet. Conversely, the Stewart Lake Outflow presents a streamflow of just 1 cubic foot per second, starkly lower than its average of 2.45 cubic feet per second, reflecting potential concerns over water availability downstream. This mixed picture underscores the complex interplay of climate patterns, water usage, and conservation efforts shaping Utah's water landscape.
Droughts and surpluses within the state's reservoirs reflect broader environmental trends, such as variable snowpack and river flows. Strawberry Reservoir (Expanded), a significant water source for many, shows an impressive surplus with current storage at 1,011,999 acre-feet against an average of 789,898.63 acre-feet, highlighting a good year for water accumulation. Meanwhile, concerns arise at Echo Reservoir and Joes Valley Reservoir, which, though slightly above average at 48,254 and 45,025 acre-feet respectively, may not adequately reflect the increased demands during peak summer months. The scenario at Causey and Stateline Reservoirs is worrisome, with current storages at 3,315 and 4,062 acre-feet, well below their averages, suggesting potential impacts on local water supplies if drought conditions persist. Researchers and hydrologists must continue to monitor these resources closely, understanding that the state's water security hinges upon the delicate balance maintained by these storied reservoirs.
Location | Observation |
---|---|
Stewart Lake Outflow Near Jensen
Utah • ID 09271600 |
1 ft3/s |
Utah Lake
Utah • ID 3606 |
766,638 acre-ft |
Trial Lake
Utah • ID 3607 |
1,031 acre-ft |
Lost Lake
Utah • ID 3608 |
691 acre-ft |
Washington Lake
Utah • ID 3609 |
1,028 acre-ft |
Smith & Morehouse Reservoir
Utah • ID 3866 |
4,562 acre-ft |
Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Utah • ID 917 |
3,140,339 acre-ft |
Willard Bay Reservoir
Utah • ID 925 |
166,123 acre-ft |
Steinaker Reservoir
Utah • ID 927 |
16,615 acre-ft |
Starvation Reservoir
Utah • ID 928 |
141,046 acre-ft |
Moon Lake Reservoir
Utah • ID 930 |
13,124 acre-ft |
Scofield Reservoir
Utah • ID 931 |
49,917 acre-ft |
Joes Valley Reservoir
Utah • ID 932 |
45,025 acre-ft |
Causey Reservoir
Utah • ID 938 |
3,315 acre-ft |
East Canyon Reservoir
Utah • ID 940 |
36,073 acre-ft |
Echo Reservoir
Utah • ID 941 |
48,254 acre-ft |
Lost Creek Reservoir
Utah • ID 942 |
15,082 acre-ft |
Pineview Reservoir
Utah • ID 946 |
74,511 acre-ft |
Rockport Reservoir
Utah • ID 947 |
33,671 acre-ft |
Stateline Reservoir
Utah • ID 949 |
4,062 acre-ft |
Currant Creek Reservoir
Utah • ID 952 |
13,388 acre-ft |
Deer Creek Reservoir
Utah • ID 953 |
108,110 acre-ft |
Huntington North Reservoir
Utah • ID 956 |
2,793 acre-ft |
Hyrum Reservoir
Utah • ID 957 |
9,805 acre-ft |
Newton Reservoir
Utah • ID 959 |
2,342 acre-ft |
Red Fleet Reservoir
Utah • ID 960 |
14,720 acre-ft |
Strawberry Reservoir (Expanded)
Utah • ID 962 |
1,011,999 acre-ft |
Upper Stillwater Reservoir
Utah • ID 963 |
15,661 acre-ft |
Jordanelle Reservoir
Utah • ID 964 |
253,874 acre-ft |