SALT LAKE CITY \u2014 Utah officials are warning residents to prepare for worsening drought conditions heading into the summer, with every part of the state now experiencing some level of drought and nearly 60% classified in extreme drought.<\/p>\n
State leaders said shrinking reservoir levels, historically low river runoff, increased wildfire risk and earlier-than-normal water restrictions are all signs that Utah could face another difficult water year similar to the severe drought conditions experienced in 2021.<\/p>\n
According to the Utah Department of Natural Resources, reservoirs statewide average 71% full, down from 82% at the same time last year. Water levels at some state parks have dropped so low that boat launch ramps may need to close to protect visitors and property.<\/p>\n
In Northern Utah, the Hyrum, Porcupine and Woodruff Narrows reservoirs are all at 94% or more of capacity as of May 14, 2026. However, other reservoirs are low with Bear Lake at 64%, Willard Bay at 55% and Newton at 51%.<\/p>\n
Officials also noted that many Utah rivers reached peak runoff before April 1, well ahead of normal seasonal patterns.<\/p>\n
The drought is having noticeable impacts in northern Utah as well. The Bear River drainage system, which serves portions of Cache Valley and northern Utah agriculture, had stronger snowpack conditions than other parts of the state but still performed worse this spring than during the drought year of 2021. Snowpack in the basin measured only 30% to 40% of average on April 1, compared to 70% to 80% of average during the same period in 2021.<\/p>\n
Water rights reductions are also occurring earlier than normal across several Utah river systems. State officials said some cutoff notices are arriving months ahead of schedule because of limited runoff and declining stream flows.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis drought will test our resiliency,\u201d Utah Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Joel Ferry said. \u201cWe have seen our peak stream flows well before our peak demand. We must do as much as we can to hold onto our stored water.\u201d<\/p>\n
Conditions along the Colorado River are also deteriorating. April-through-July inflow projections into Lake Powell are estimated at 800,000 acre-feet, the second-lowest level on record and the worst since the reservoir was initially being filled.<\/p>\n
The drought is also affecting fish and wildlife management statewide. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources announced changes to fish stocking programs and temporarily increased fishing limits at drought-impacted reservoirs in Uintah and Sanpete counties.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith the drought-related low water levels at Crouse Reservoir and Nine Mile Reservoir, we want anglers to be able to harvest these fish so they can be used and not wasted as water levels continue to decline throughout the summer,\u201d Division of Wildlife Resources Director Riley Peck said.<\/p>\n
Wildfire concerns are also increasing as vegetation dries out across the state. Officials said southern and eastern Utah face moderate wildfire risk because of hotter-than-normal temperatures, windy conditions and unusually dry fuels. Vegetation is reportedly four to six weeks ahead of normal curing conditions.<\/p>\n
The Great Salt Lake is expected to decline again this summer because of evaporation, although officials said current lake levels remain about 3.5 feet above the record lows reached in 2022.<\/p>\n