Agricultural Optimization Program News Today

While much of December witnessed scarce precipitation, the trajectory shifted with early January storms, bringing the snowpack to normal levels for much of the state. 

Mid-January brings a nuanced perspective on Utah’s water conditions, navigating a tale of fluctuating precipitation patterns that began with a dry December but rebounded with early January storms, restoring snowpack levels to normal across much of the state. Candice Hasenyager, director of the Division of Water Resources, emphasizes the dynamic nature of Utah’s terrain and […]

As of late-December, northern Utah has seen some positive progress in the snow season, while the southern part of the state is still recording below-normal numbers. With 105 days remaining until the typical peak snowpack, the state is planning for all scenarios. 

Snow Water Equivalent (SWE), a critical metric for assessing water availability, currently stands at 39% below normal for this time of year. With 125 days remaining until the typical peak snowpack, the state is cautiously optimistic about the potential for a good snow year.

As the new water year begins, state officials reported that Utah reservoirs and soil moisture are in a good spot as water managers start tracking data such as snow accumulation, stream flows and soil moisture.

Water officials say the monsoonal moisture has helped Utah's drought but there is still plenty of work to be done to protect the water the state has.

This years snow season is officially alone at the top of Utahs snowpack record books.

This weeks storms have boosted Utahs statewide snowpack up to a level not seen since a run in the early 1980s.