ENVIRONMENT

Utah Drought Worries Farmers, Ranchers, Water Managers

Feb 26, 2021, 6:39 PM | Updated: 7:32 pm

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Even though recent storms covered Utah’s mountains with snow, the state is still in a drought and conservationists have already warned about reduced water use in the spring and summer.

Water engineers told KSL there is, at best, a 15% chance of getting to the average snowpack this year. An even bigger concern is how dry the ground is right now.

Nobody ever said ranching was easy, at least nobody who has ever tried it. 

This year, though, Mother Nature made it even more difficult. 

“It’s tough. The drought has been very challenging,” said Brian Johnson. “It’s kind of the long game you’ve got to play, and you have to be prepared.” 

Johnson is a 6th generation cattle rancher in Tooele County. He owns Johnson Land and Livestock in Rush Valley and knows firsthand how tough drought conditions are. 

“We’re used to dry conditions. We do live in the desert but, as it gets drier and drier over the past few years, it starts taking a toll on us,” said Johnson. 

Brian Johnson says the ongoing drought has hit him in the pocketbook. (Alex Cabrero, KSL TV) Water managers say it's unlikely Utah can reach a normal snowpack this year. Water conservation may be needed this summer. (Winston Armani, KSL TV)

This year may end up being the driest year yet. 

“It’s scary. The soil is the driest we’ve seen it in all the years we’ve been monitoring it,” said Laura Haskell, who is Utah’s drought coordinator and a water engineer with Utah’s Division of Water Resources. 

Even with the big snowstorm last week, drought is still a big concern. 

Haskell said Utah would need roughly another 50 to 60 inches of snow just to get to average. 

Reservoirs across the state are only about 65% full. Last year at this time, they were at about 85%. 

Haskell said it is unlikely reservoirs will get to 100% this year. 

“Probably not,” she said. “The chances are only maybe 10% to 15% of average snowpack, and then again, that soil is going to soak it up, so the chances of an average streamflow runoff into our reservoirs is really, really low.” 

According to the Utah Division of Water Resources, all of Utah is in moderate drought, with 90% of the state experiencing extreme drought or worse. 

Haskell said water conservation this year when it comes to lawns and gardens is going to be as important as ever. 

“We have a large population. We’re growing and using water,” she said. “I think if people understood the situation and what they need to do, they’ll do it.” 

Farmers sure understand. 

Johnson said he had to buy outside feed and hay for his cattle last year, and he’ll probably have to do it again this year since soil conditions at his ranch will prevent him from growing what he normally needs. 

“Our crop production is way down. Last year, we saw about a 50% decrease in production,” said Johnson. 

Johnson and ranchers across Utah, are just trying to get through it. 

More snow and rain would help. 

“We’re in dire conditions,” he said. “It’s kind of a way of life. You kind of do what you got to do.”

KSL 5 TV Live

Environment

Researchers gathered in a Weber State University room for a Air Quality Summit....

Mike Anderson

Air Quality Summit puts focus on Utah air pollution and solutions

Many of the researchers who study Utah's air pollution problems are sharing what they've found while working to find solutions during Thursday's Air Quality Summit.

4 hours ago

The Brigham Young University national landscaping team posing in front of the grounds....

Lindsay Aerts

BYU wins National Collegiate Landscaping Competition for the 5th time in 6 years

The BYU Cougars claimed have claimed their fifth National Collegiate Landscaping Competition in six years.

6 hours ago

A map shows where the Chief Toquer reservoir will connect to the Ash Creek Reservoir....

Cary Schwanitz

Feds pour $7 million into southern Utah water pipeline project

A project to build a new pipeline that will run from the Ash Creek Reservoir to the Chief Toquer Reservoir received $7 million from the bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

1 day ago

A Davis County employee conduction a diesel inspection....

Mike Anderson

Program to clean up diesel polluters in Utah is not being used

Davis County health officials said a program that fixes diesel vehicles with removed or tampered emissions controls is not being used.

3 days ago

Those hoping to climb Everest this year will have to bring their excrement down with them from the ...

Amy Woodyatt

Everest climbers will have to take their poop away with them, as Nepal tries to address growing waste problem

Those hoping to climb Everest this year will have to make some slight adjustments to their packing list, as new rules now mandate that climbers bring their poop down with them.

4 days ago

Douglas Emhoff poses with Utah delegates...

Lindsay Aerts

Second Gentleman visits Utah touting federal money to help Salt Lake City’s aging water pipes

The second gentleman of the United States, Doug Emhoff, was in Utah today to help announce a program to replace aging pipes in Salt Lake City.

6 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Utah Drought Worries Farmers, Ranchers, Water Managers