On the Site:

WEATHER

Record-setting snow improves Utah drought conditions

Mar 21, 2023, 5:05 PM | Updated: 7:14 pm

SALT LAKE CITY — As spring begins on the calendar, Utah’s snowpack continues to grow in record territory.

The amount of water in the snow is already ahead of the all-time maximum and likely to break the record.  Storms are also making a sizable dent in the drought.

Statewide, the snowpack is already deeper than it’s ever been at this point in the season since the state started measuring snowpack four decades ago.  If storms continue, this year’s snowpack could break the record soon.

“We are in an exciting time for the state of Utah. We’re setting new maximums for the amount of snow water equivalent that we’re seeing statewide,” said Jordan Clayton, snow survey supervisor for Utah.

So far, Utah already has more snow water equivalent than any previous year.  The snow water equivalent exceeded the previous maximum several days ago.  To break the record, the snowpack needs to be above the maximum when it peaks, typically in the first week of April. 

“We are breaking records for this date,” Clayton said. “But, for the annual snowpack, we haven’t necessarily broken those records yet. But I’m anticipating that there’s a chance that we might, based on the amount of water that we’re receiving as a state this week.”

The snowpack is among the best years ever: 1982, 1983, and 1984. 

“We are pushing up against those record years, 2011 we’ve already beaten, and 2011 was a really monster year,” the hydrologist said. 

What kind of dent does this make in the drought?

Clayton said runoff will likely fill Utah’s small and medium-sized reservoirs, and most basins will have above-average surface water supplies this summer.

The state is still recovering from a cumulative precipitation deficit, and it would take another winter like this one to wipe that out.  On the drought monitor, Utah is no longer in exceptional drought, and only 1% of the state is still in extreme drought. 

“We’re not out of the drought. But we’re not seeing that phenomenally terrible drought condition that we had a couple of years ago across the state,” Clayton said. 

Peak snowpack still depends on the weather.  Clayton said the peak may occur in mid-April rather than early April due to the cool temperatures and additional snowfall.

KSL 5 TV Live

Weather

Jordan Thorpe scrapes snow off his windshield after the first snow of the season in the valley in S...

Emma Benson

Winter driving tips to stay safe on the roads

Last weekend's Thanksgiving storm caused more than 100 crashes throughout the state, so officials are urging drivers to be extremely cautious in these conditions.

3 minutes ago

The inversion as seen from Salt Lake City on Nov. 29, 2023. (Jack Grimm, KSL TV)...

ADAM SMALL

A storm and inversion relief is on its way to Utah

People should be able to breathe a little bit easier this weekend. A major winter storm is expected to dump snow all over Northern Utah and clear out the nasty air.

1 day ago

(Frank Klein, National Park Service)...

Luke Seaver

Rockfall in Canyonlands closes White Rim Road

A large rockfall over the weekend in Canyonlands National Park has resulted in the closure of a section of the White Rim Road.

3 days ago

(KSL TV)...

Mike Anderson

Northern Utah community comes together to help shelter the homeless

Local leaders and volunteers in Cache and Box Elder Counties come together to provide shelter to the homeless as temperatures fall

3 days ago

Inversion over Salt Lake City...

Eliza Pace

Smoggy skies in the valley, what we can expect for air quality this week

Utahns along the Wasatch Front were greeted on their Monday morning commute with thick smog. 

4 days ago

A majority of Utah counties were in Code Blue status Sunday, according to the Department of Health ...

Shelby Lofton

Utah shelters prepare to take in more people under Code Blue protocol

A majority of Utah counties were in Code Blue status Sunday, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

5 days ago

Sponsored Articles

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.

Users display warnings about the use of artificial intelligence (AI), access to malicious software ...

Les Olson

How to Stay Safe from Cybersecurity Threats

Read our tips for reading for how to respond to rising cybersecurity threats in 2023 and beyond to keep yourself and your company safe.

Design mockup half in white and half in color of luxury house interior with open plan living room a...

Lighting Design

Lighting Design 101: Learn the Basics

These lighting design basics will help you when designing your home, so you can meet both practical and aesthetic needs.

an antler with large horns int he wilderness...

Three Bear Lodge

Yellowstone in the Fall: A Wildlife Spectacle Worth Witnessing

While most people travel to this park in the summer, late fall in Yellowstone provides a wealth of highlights to make a memorable experience.

a diverse group of students raising their hands in a classroom...

Little Orchard Preschool

6 Benefits of Preschool for Kids

Some of the benefits of preschool for kids include developing independence, curiosity, and learning more about the world.

Record-setting snow improves Utah drought conditions