In Utah, the state of reservoir and dam storage levels is a mix of surpluses and deficits, reflecting the diversity of hydrological conditions across the region. Recent observations show that while some reservoirs, such as Utah Lake and Flaming Gorge, report storage levels significantly above their averages, others, like Washington Lake and Moon Lake, are experiencing lower-than-average storage. Utah Lake, the state's largest freshwater lake, has seen a notable increase in storage, currently at 795,969 acre-feet compared to its average of 628,381.59 acre-feet. Flaming Gorge Reservoir, another critical water body, also reports a surge in its water volume with current storage at 3,126,109 acre-feet, well above the average of 2,912,232.68 acre-feet. This could imply successful water management strategies or favorable weather patterns that have allowed these reservoirs to capture and retain more runoff.
Conversely, Washington Lake's alarmingly low storage level at 246 acre-feet, down from an average of 1,482.9 acre-feet, raises concerns about potential water scarcity and the effects of drought conditions in its watershed. Similarly, Moon Lake Reservoir's storage is recorded at 13,977 acre-feet, a significant drop from its average of 20,253.96 acre-feet, potentially impacting local water supply and ecosystems. These discrepancies highlight the variability in water availability and the challenges in managing such a vital resource in the face of changing climatic conditions. The conditions of surpluses and deficits can be attributed to a combination of factors, including seasonal snowpack levels, river flows, and the management policies governing water use and conservation. For water management researchers or hydrologists, the data serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in predicting water storage needs and the importance of maintaining a robust and adaptable water management infrastructure to respond to both surplus and scarcity.
Location | Observation |
---|---|
Stewart Lake Outflow Near Jensen
Utah • ID 09271600 |
1 ft3/s |
Utah Lake
Utah • ID 3606 |
795,969 acre-ft |
Trial Lake
Utah • ID 3607 |
1,034 acre-ft |
Lost Lake
Utah • ID 3608 |
701 acre-ft |
Washington Lake
Utah • ID 3609 |
246 acre-ft |
Smith & Morehouse Reservoir
Utah • ID 3866 |
4,561 acre-ft |
Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Utah • ID 917 |
3,126,109 acre-ft |
Willard Bay Reservoir
Utah • ID 925 |
165,226 acre-ft |
Steinaker Reservoir
Utah • ID 927 |
17,699 acre-ft |
Starvation Reservoir
Utah • ID 928 |
142,359 acre-ft |
Moon Lake Reservoir
Utah • ID 930 |
13,977 acre-ft |
Scofield Reservoir
Utah • ID 931 |
51,011 acre-ft |
Joes Valley Reservoir
Utah • ID 932 |
45,245 acre-ft |
Causey Reservoir
Utah • ID 938 |
3,747 acre-ft |
East Canyon Reservoir
Utah • ID 940 |
36,663 acre-ft |
Echo Reservoir
Utah • ID 941 |
50,125 acre-ft |
Lost Creek Reservoir
Utah • ID 942 |
15,166 acre-ft |
Pineview Reservoir
Utah • ID 946 |
75,952 acre-ft |
Rockport Reservoir
Utah • ID 947 |
34,998 acre-ft |
Stateline Reservoir
Utah • ID 949 |
4,149 acre-ft |
Currant Creek Reservoir
Utah • ID 952 |
15,017 acre-ft |
Deer Creek Reservoir
Utah • ID 953 |
112,496 acre-ft |
Huntington North Reservoir
Utah • ID 956 |
3,279 acre-ft |
Hyrum Reservoir
Utah • ID 957 |
9,801 acre-ft |
Newton Reservoir
Utah • ID 959 |
2,544 acre-ft |
Red Fleet Reservoir
Utah • ID 960 |
15,105 acre-ft |
Strawberry Reservoir (Expanded)
Utah • ID 962 |
992,556 acre-ft |
Upper Stillwater Reservoir
Utah • ID 963 |
14,442 acre-ft |
Jordanelle Reservoir
Utah • ID 964 |
252,490 acre-ft |