LOCAL NEWS

Gov. Cox issues state of emergency for drought conditions

Apr 21, 2022, 12:22 PM | Updated: Jun 20, 2022, 1:43 pm

Very low water levels at Jordanelle Reservoir in Wasatch County are seen after Gov. Spencer Cox a...

Very low water levels at Jordanelle Reservoir in Wasatch County are seen after Gov. Spencer Cox and Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson ceremonially signed key water legislation on Monday, April 18, 2022. (Scott G. Winterton/Deseret News)

(Scott G. Winterton/Deseret News)

SALT LAKE CITY — Gov. Spencer Cox has issued a state of emergency as dire drought conditions continue to impact the state.

“We’ve had a very volatile water year, and unfortunately, recent spring storms are not enough to make up the shortage in our snowpack,” Cox said. “Once again, I call on all Utahns – households, farmers, businesses, governments and other groups – to carefully consider their needs and reduce their water use. We saved billions of gallons last year and we can do it again.”

According to the governor’s office, the declaration activates Utah’s Drought Response Committee and triggers increased monitoring and reporting. It also allows drought-affected communities, agricultural producers and others to report unmet needs and work toward solutions.

The Utah Division of Natural Resources says 99.39% of the state is in severe drought or worse, with 43.46% of Utah in extreme drought.

Drought details

  • Statewide snow water equivalent (SWE), or how much water would be in the snowpack if it melted, peaked at 12 inches. This is 75% of the typical median peak of 16 inches for our water year.
  • Nineteen of Utah’s largest 45 reservoirs are below 55% of available capacity. Overall statewide storage is 59% of capacity. This time last year, reservoirs were about 67% of capacity.
  • Soil moisture is 4% higher compared to normal for this time of year. Wet soils are critical for effective spring runoff.
  • Of the 94 measured streams, 59 are flowing below normal despite spring runoff. Two streams are flowing at record low conditions.

Salt Lake City recently announced it would begin stage two of its five-stage Water Shortage Contingency Plan, asking the public to cut back water use by 5% a day and requiring public golf courses, parks, and city-owned buildings to reduce overall water use.

New runoff forecasts for the Great Salt Lake and other lakes in Utah are well below normal.

Heavy snowfall in December led to above-average predictions on Jan. 1, but the forecasts have dropped each month with abnormally dry weather between January and March.

Both the Great Salt Lake and Utah Lake are projected at about 60% of normal runoff, and Bear Lake was projected as low as 50% runoff.

 

Aerial imagery reveals the grim reality of ongoing drought in Utah

Cox held a ceremonial signing of several bills that deal with Utah’s water at Jordanelle Reservoir:

  • HB168: Preferences Of Water Rights Amendments
  • HB282: Water Wise Landscaping Amendments
  • SB110: Water As Part Of General Plan
  • HB305: Natural Resources Revisions
  • HB33: Instream Water Flow Amendments
  • HB121: Water Conservation Modifications
  • HB242: Secondary Water Metering Amendments
  • HB410: Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement
  • HB429: Great Salt Lake Amendments
  • HB157: Sovereign Lands Revenue Amendments
  • HB232: Utah Lake Authority

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Matt Gephardt working with Bona Rose on the CarChex documents....

Matt Gephardt and Sloan Schrage, KSL TV

Get Gephardt: West Valley woman says her extended car warranty claim was denied unfairly

Many drivers buy an extended auto warranty to cover unexpected repair bills. But when a West Valley City woman turned to her warranty provider for major help on her car's transmission, they turned her down - repeatedly.

43 minutes ago

Moments before a Salt Lake City woman is hit by a white car in the Avenues....

Eric Cabrera, KSL NewsRadio, Garna Mejia and Michael Houck, KSL TV

Doorbell camera captures another hit-and-run in Salt Lake City

New doorbell camera shows bystanders rushing to save a woman who may be another victim of an alleged serial hit-and-runner.

1 hour ago

A view of the West Temple and 200 South intersection in Salt Lake City....

Michael Houck

A major downtown Salt Lake City intersection will close from April to May

Starting April 1, the West Temple and 200 South intersection will be closed as crews replace natural gas lines.

2 hours ago

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

Keith Stebbings (right) confronting Loren Richardson (left) after Richardson allegedly entered his ...

Shelby Lofton

‘He wasn’t intending to hurt anybody’: Brighton homeowner attorney says snowboarder confrontation was a misunderstanding

The Brighton man armed with a gun while confronting a snowboarder in a viral video is now facing criminal charges. But his attorney says he had the right to protect his property.

4 hours ago

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

VIDEO: Watch the moment a UHP trooper stops a 12-year-old driving on the freeway

Utah Highway Patrol responded to a call of a reckless driver. They didn't know until after they stopped the car that it was a 12-year-old driver.

5 hours 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.

Gov. Cox issues state of emergency for drought conditions