Utah’s water managers are closely monitoring below-average snowpack levels as drought conditions reemerge in parts of the state. As of Feb. 18, Utah’s overall snowpack sits at 93% of normal, but two southern Utah basins are reporting less than 50% of their typical snow water equivalent, or SWE.

Extreme drought has returned to southwestern Utah for the first time since March 2023, raising concerns about low spring runoff and reduced streamflows.

While we still have some time before our snowpack typically peaks in April, most of our basins are likely to experience below-average streamflows this spring runoff,” said Candice Hasenyager, director of the Utah Division of Water Resources.

According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s February Report, southwestern Utah has been recording record-low SWE levels since Jan. 20 — the worst since at least 1980. Meanwhile, the Colorado Basin River Forecast Center projects that the majority of Utah’s water supply forecasts are below 70% of average, with some areas in southern Utah closer to 30%.

While reservoir storage remains strong at 20% above normal, helping to offset some of the shortfall, officials emphasize the need for continued water conservation efforts.

“Our snowpack in southern Utah is at concerning levels, and we are seeing increased drought conditions across the state, with 77% of Utah now in moderate to extreme drought,” Hasenyager said. “With low precipitation and an underperforming snowpack, we must continue using water wisely to maintain our quality of life.”

Since 95% of Utah’s water supply comes from snowpack, conservation remains critical. To help residents and farmers use water efficiently, the Department of Natural Resources is promoting initiatives like the Agricultural Water Optimization Program and SlowtheFlow.org, which provide tools and incentives for saving water.

For more information on water-saving tips and conservation programs, visit SlowtheFlow.org.