Spring runoff causes fast-moving rivers, officials urge caution
Apr 22, 2024, 12:45 PM | Updated: Apr 23, 2024, 1:26 pm
The best way to stay safe around rivers and streams at this point in time is to stay far away from them. (Photo by Brian Brinkerhoff)
(Photo by Brian Brinkerhoff)
SALT LAKE CITY— Spring runoff is in full effect in Utah, and subsequently the state’s rivers, streams and creeks are running high and fast.
According to the KSL River Flow Tracker, 10 of northern Utah’s waterways have risen to at least 75% of their bank’s capacity sometime in the last five days. For context, a waterway is not flooding until it’s running over 100%.
In other words, by the publication date, no Utah waterway had come close to flooding.
But there’s still a lot of spring runoff to go.
Right now, on average, Utah currently has 12.7 inches of water in the statewide snowpack. That’s down from the yearly peak of 18.8 inches on April 2, 2024.
Over the last 30 years, Utah on average doesn’t finish melting all of the snowpack until mid-June.
Glen Merrill, hydrologist with the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City, told KSL NewsRadio the state will likely see waterways connected to lower elevation snowpack peak sometime between now and early May.
Waterways connected to higher elevation snowpack, for example, Big and Little Cottonwood Creeks and the Provo River, likely won’t peak until late May and early June.
Staying safe around runoff waters in Utah
It may look tempting, but Merrill said physically getting in the fast-moving water we’re seeing right now is not recommended.
“This time of year, just let the water do its thing,” Merrill said. “It was snow just a few days ago … the water temperatures are in the 30’s.”
Merrill also said much of this water is moving at hundreds of cubic feet per second.
“It’s really a public safety hazard,” Merrill said.
Merrill encouraged people to put plenty of space between themselves and the water. Don’t stand right on the edge of the bank because water could be undercutting it, making it unstable.
He also advised people to keep a close eye on young kids and pets.
“We just need to give them a wide berth and be smart.”
Related: Salt Lake having very dry April, but Utah’s water supply is still in top-notch shape
