Wettest October on record leaves ‘significantly boosted’ water year outlook

SALT LAKE CITY — After the Salt Lake City Airport recorded the wettest October on record for the past 151 years, the Utah Division of Water Resources reported a “significantly boosted” outlook for the region’s water supply. 

On Tuesday, the Utah Division of Water Resources reported that Salt Lake City’s total precipitation for October stood at 4.95″, breaking the previous Oct. rainfall record set in 1981. 

Even with the rainfall helping in the state, Utah Division of Water Resources Director Candice Hasenyager warned against celebrating too early.

“Yes, we can all collectively say ‘we needed this’ as we think about our recent storms and our water supply,” Hasenyager said. “The recent storms are a great start to the water year, but we have a long road ahead.”

Utah’s water year begins each year on Oct. 1 and runs until the following Sept. 30. According to the Utah Division of Water Resources, this time was scientifically chosen to capture fall and winter precipitation and the subsequent spring runoff within a single reporting period.

The Utah Division of Water Resources reported that about 95% of the Utah water supply comes from snowpack and its subsequent melt during the spring and summer months. 

The Utah Climate Center shows the soil moisture levels on a daily basis. Utah Division of Water Resources Public Information Officer Michael Sanchez said the soil moisture levels are 10% higher compared to a typical water year. 

“In dry years, the ground acts like a sponge, absorbing much of the snowmelt before it can run off into reservoirs,” Sanchez said. “Because our soils are now well-saturated, they are primed for a more efficient spring runoff.”