UTAH DROUGHT

Utah snowpack at a 10-year-high

Feb 7, 2023, 11:00 AM

snowy trees pictured, we're set to break a snow water record...

Snow blankets the trees in Millcreek Canyon on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023. (Kristin Murphy/Deseret News)

(Kristin Murphy/Deseret News)

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah is in the middle of a 10-year high when it comes to snowfall. 

Glen Merrill, a hydrologist with National Weather Service Salt Lake said Utah’s snowpack is currently 167% of the median for the state.

“We really haven’t seen a snowpack this deep and expansive really since 2011. And we’re actually slightly ahead of 2011.”

The last time there was a slightly bigger snowpack was in 2005.

Considering it’s only February, the current snowpack is a good sign for easing the drought.

“We get 90 to 95% of our water supply from our snowpack and the snowmelt runoff. So this is exactly the type of winter that we need to really turn the corner in the drought that we’ve been experiencing.”

There are still 57 days to build the snowpack before it peaks in April.

Related: 

We want to hear from you.

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

Utah Drought

A powerful string of thunderstorms moved north across northern Utah. Thunderstorms left behind an i...

Britt Johnson

Recent Utah rain sends the state closer to average water levels

Utah's recent summer rain brought the state's water levels up. Now, the state is extremely close to average water levels.

7 days ago

A sprinkler waters a field in Utah...

LINDSAY AERTS, KSLTV

Utah DNR now tracks groundwater trends online, some concern over depleting levels

A new online tool is helping gather data on Utah’s groundwater levels, after depleting groundwater levels in southern and southwestern Utah.

23 days ago

water conservation...

Ben Winslow, FOX 13

One Utah city will offer prizes to get people to conserve more water

The city of Millcreek hopes to encourage its residents to conserve water with a new game that offers prizes.

24 days ago

Swimmers cool off in the pool at the Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center in Cottonwood Heights on ...

Britt Johnson

Getting a backyard pool? Make sure your builder has experience

Planning on having a pool built in your backyard? It might be a good idea to double check that your builder is experienced.

29 days ago

cattle graze on land in tooele county, parts of tooele county are in drought...

Verl Johansen

Drought returns to Utah in Tooele County

The U.S. Drought Monitor's most recent report found that about half of Tooele County is experiencing moderate drought.

1 month ago

Deseret News writer Joe Bauman in the background looks at the irrigation ditches with no water and ...

Adam Small

More than half of Utah is now ‘abnormally dry,’ but still not in a drought.

The latest report from the U.S. Drought Monitor lists 53% of Utah's land as 'abnormally dry' but the state is still not in a drought.

1 month ago

Sponsored Articles

Water park with a vintage VW bug in front with a surfboard on top...

Cowabunga Bay

Spend the last days of summer at Cowabunga Bay! 

Cowabunga Bay is one of Utah's premier water parks that features water slides, a lazy river, a kids' cove, and a beach with lounge chairs.

A young woman smiles while reading the menu at a lakeside restaurant, enjoying the panoramic view o...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best restaurants to try in Bear Lake

Save this guide to the best restaurants in Bear Lake when you need to find a place to dine during your next visit.

Female leg stepping on weigh scales. Healthy lifestyle, food and sport concept....

Health Utah

Sustainable weight loss: the science-backed way to achieve it

Learn more about Debbie's weight loss journey with Health Utah, who have a unique weight loss philosophy for success.

Underwater shot of the fisherman holding the fish...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Your Bear Lake fishing guide

Bear Lake offers year-round fishing opportunities. By preparing ahead of time, you might go home with a big catch!

A group of people cut a purple ribbon...

Comcast

Comcast announces major fiber network expansion in Utah

Comcast's commitment to delivering extensive coverage signifies a monumental leap toward a digitally empowered future for Utahns.

a doctor putting her hand on the chest of her patient...

Intermountain Health

Intermountain nurse-midwives launch new gynecology access clinic

An access clinic launched by Intermountain nurse-midwives provides women with comprehensive gynecology care.

Utah snowpack at a 10-year-high