WEATHER

Snow levels are quite bad, reservoir levels are quite good

Apr 2, 2018, 6:26 PM

...

SALT LAKE CITY – This weekend was a crucial time for water watchers, since this is the time snow levels are usually the highest before the spring run-off.  The snow levels are quite bad this year, but, the reservoir levels aren’t.

A good beginning to 2018 does not make up for a bad ending of 2017, water wise.  Natural Resources Conservation Services Hydrologist Troy Brosten says we were always “playing catch-up” when it comes to snow pack levels.

“The month of March was actually pretty good.  It was above average precipitation in many of the basins, but, because we were so far behind, it only improved our basins from the 50 percent range to the 60 percent range,” Brosten says.

The NRCS is gathering data to pass along to the National Weather Service, which will likely provide a forecast regarding Utah’s water picture later this week.  Brosten says higher elevations are much lower than normal, and levels below 7,000 feet are practically non-existent.

“Our low elevation sites are very ripe, nearly melted out or melted out,” according to Brosten.

The Bear River Basin seems to be in better shape than most places in Utah.  Brosten says it’s at roughly 80 percent of normal thanks to storms that impacted mostly Idaho and Wyoming.  If there’s a part of the state that’s in the worst shape, National Weather Service Hydrologist Brian McInerney says it’s the Virgin River Basin.

“They have small amounts of storage, down there, and they have the smallest snow pack compared to average.  They have the least expected runoff compared to percent of average,” McInerney says.

However, McInerney says most of the reservoirs are sitting at nearly 80 percent of normal water levels because of the snow that fell a year ago.

(Photo Credit: Mike DeBernardo, Deseret News, file, East Canyon Reservoir)

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Weather

Rain and snow expected Easter...

Adam Small

More rain and snow on the way for Easter

More rain and snow is headed to Utah on Thursday, and the wet weather is expected to hang around through Easter.

6 hours ago

People hike in winter...

Adam Small

Late winter storm adds to already flourishing Utah snowpack

A late winter storm along the Wasatch Front might've caused a headache for drivers over the weekend, but it also added more to Utah snowpack.

3 days ago

Rain and snow expected...

Peter Johnston

Rain and snow will stick around for the week

The weekend weather Utah will stick around for a bit longer. It'll dry out a bit this week before the rain and snow showers come back on Easter.

3 days ago

Traffic camera photo showing road conditions, taken on Bangerter Highway on I-80 on March 24, 2024....

Kennedy Camarena

Bad road conditions caused by rain and snow

Road conditions throughout the valley will change in the day as rain and snow move through the area. Get updates on road conditions here.

4 days ago

Deer Valley and other ski resorts in Utah have extended their closing dates....

Britt Johnson

Utah ski resorts extend closing dates

Several Utah ski resorts aren't closing as soon as they thought. Several announced extended seasons thanks to an extra snowy February.

6 days ago

Warmer weather could mean Utah sees more toxic algae blooms this spring and summer....

Britt Johnson

More algae blooms in Utah might pop up because of the warm temperatures

In Utah, Algae blooms aren't typically on the radar until the summer. But experts are keeping a close eye on conditions this year.

6 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Snow levels are quite bad, reservoir levels are quite good