Every storm helps: storm water equivalent back to 70% statewide
Apr 13, 2022, 6:09 PM | Updated: Jun 20, 2022, 1:14 pm
SALT LAKE CITY — In the midst of this extended drought, it always helps to add water — how much difference is the weather this week really making? The impact on the drought is minimal, according to the water experts, but there are several benefits to this weather.
“We will take all the snow and rain really at this point that we can get,” said Jordan Clayton, supervisor of the Utah Snow Survey.
He said the rain and snow this week has delivered 7/10 of an inch of water averaged out across the state, so far. It also helped raise the snow water equivalent in our mountains by 6%. But, the statewide average is still only 70% of normal.
“70% of normal is still well below where we want to be, however, it’s a boost, and we will definitely take these boosts,” the hydrologist said.
Fortunately, Clayton says we do get a bigger boost out of this storm cycle now than if it arrived in the middle of July.
“Because we’re getting it right now, at a time when the system is already sort of primed to run off, and we’re already getting runoff. This is really a good time of year to get additional boost of precipitation.”
A cool, wet spring also extends the runoff.
“We like to see that snowmelt come off the mountain pretty quickly, and all at once,” he said.
That delivers the most water into the reservoirs. This weather also lets everyone delay outdoor watering.
“I think waiting to water is the number one thing that residents can do, and because of the snow and the cold temperatures, that is really encouraging residents to wait to water,” said Candice Hasenyager, director of the division of Water Resources.
Right now, the state watering guide reminds us that it’s too early to water, unless you live in Washington County, then you may consider watering once a week. For the rest of the state, the guide urges us not to start watering until we have several consecutive days of heat above 75°.
“We all need to do our part to reduce how much water we use, and save it for another day,” said Hasenyager.
The State Division of Water Resources will work with districts to encourage conservation and help determine what restrictions are necessary. But, any restrictions will be left to the local districts.
