Utah News

Two Utah toddlers at the center of an AMBER Alert have been found safe after a frantic search. Will Richman, two, and his 10-month old brother Wesley were located in San Felipe, Mexico.

Their father, Dane Richman, is now in custody, according to the FBI and Saratoga Springs Police Department.

Police previously said they believe that 46-year-old Richman—who had just quit his job, was facing financial troubles and was in a custody dispute over the two children—crossed the border from San Diego into Mexico last week.

Investigators think he may have been planning the abduction of the toddlers for weeks.

An AMBER Alert was issued for the two boys in Saratoga Springs, Utah, on Saturday, May 16. The alert said they were in “imminent danger of serious bodily harm or death” after their father allegedly failed to attend a custody exchange.

It described their father as “seriously depressed,” and under financial stress. The alert, issued by the Utah Department of Public Safety, said that he had been selling his possessions and had abandoned his home.

AMBER Alert Triggered After No-show

Richman had been identified as a suspect. The children’s mother contacted the police to request a welfare check on Thursday after Dane Richman missed a court-related deposition in an ongoing custody case, according to a report from KUTV.

The mother contacted police again on Saturday after the children were supposed to be returned in a custody exchange, and no one showed up. That call triggered the AMBER Alert.

The AMBER Alert states that “the first suspect is identified as Dane Stephen Richman. He is 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighing 195 pounds. He has brown hair and green eyes.”

The two boys have blonde hair and blue eyes. Will Richman is 2 feet 6 inches, and weighs about 31 Ibs. Wesley Richman is 2 feet 2 inches and weighs about 23 Ibs.

Authorities said that they were believed to be in a Black Toyota Camry with a Utah license plate A561HL, but noted that the vehicle could have a temporary tag and that the license plate may not be visible.

A woman named Kate Walters shared a post to Facebook and identified herself as a family member. “My sister’s children have been abducted,” she wrote in the post, adding: “Please, we need your help and prayers for these boys.”

What is an AMBER Alert?

An AMBER Alert—short for America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response—is an emergency notification system designed to notify the public when a child is believed to have been abducted and faces imminent danger of serious injury or death.

When law enforcement confirms that a child under 17 has been taken and meets activation criteria, the alert is issued. It pushes details about the child, the suspected abductor, and any associated vehicle across multiple channels, including Wireless Emergency Alerts, TV and radio broadcasts, and highway message boards.

Since its launch, the AMBER Alert system has been credited with helping recover more than 1,000 missing children across the United States.

The goal is to enlist the public’s help in the critical early hours of an abduction. This gives law enforcement additional eyes and ears to aid in locating missing children and apprehending suspects. Officials emphasize that such alerts are time-sensitive and are often deployed within hours of an abduction to maximize the chances of safely recovering a child.

Update 05/27/26 10:35 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information and the headline has been changed.

Update 05/26/26 3.05 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Happy Tuesday, Utah! Our Tuesday afternoon will feature a mix of clouds and sunshine along with above-average temperatures.

Today’s weather:

A few high-based isolated storms could develop, bringing gusty winds and lightning to our mountain locations east of I-15. Keep an eye to the sky on Tuesday afternoon in these areas. Daytime highs on Tuesday will warm into the mid 80s across the Wasatch Front and lower 90s for SW Utah.

Get the latest Salt Lake City weather forecasts. View live doppler radar, & closings from the ABC4 Utah weather team.

As an area of low-pressure approaches Utah Tuesday into Wednesday, gusty southwest winds will begin to ramp up across western Utah. A Wind Advisory is in effect for western Utah to just west of I-15.

Southerly winds will likely be sustained between 20 and 35 mph, but wind gusts could top 50 mph in some locations. The gusty winds could also lead to areas of blowing dust and quickly reduced visibility.

Tomorrow’s weather:

The wind will likely lead to an elevated fire danger threat for the state Tuesday through Thursday. Dry vegetation, low relative humidity levels, and warm temperatures will combine with areas of gusty winds through midweek. 

Looking ahead:

A Red Flag warning is in effect for the San Rafael Swell, Grand Staircase, east Uinta Basin, and Book Cliffs from Wednesday until Thursday. Expect strong southerly winds of 20-30 mph with gusts of up to 50 mph across southern and eastern Utah with relative humidity values as low as 8-10%.  Any outside burning is strongly discouraged through late week across Utah. 

 View Utah Weather Radar in real time: CLICK HERE 

This storm system will be moving into a dry air mass and will not have a lot of moisture to work with. Still, isolated showers and rumbles may become possible across valley locations Thursday night into Friday.

These storms will be widely scattered and mainly focused on the northern portions of Utah. The low pressure looks to pull north and west of the area by this weekend, bringing drier air back to the state.

Stay with us for the latest updates from our 4Warn Weather forecast team on News4Utah+ and on abc4.com/utah-weather. We are Good4Utah!

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 For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. 

A pair of Utah siblings believed to have been abducted by their father, whom authorities described as “seriously depressed,” and possibly taken to Mexico faces imminent danger, police said.

Saratoga Springs police were looking for Dane Stephen Richman, 46, as well as 1-year-old Will Richman and 10-month-old Wesley Richman.

Investigators said Richman had just quit his job, was having financial troubles and was in a custody dispute with his wife over the children. He may have been planning the abduction for weeks, authorities said, the Deseret News reported.

Authorities issued an Amber Alert over the weekend, saying the two boys were in danger and were taken by their father.

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“THERE IS CONCERN FOR THE SAFETY AND WELL BEING OF THE CHILDREN AS THE SUSPECT HAS BEEN SERIOUSLY DEPRESSED, SELLING POSSESSIONS, FACING FINANCIAL STRESS, AND ABANDONED HIS HOME,” the alert states.

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Richman was charged Sunday with two counts of custodial interference, a third-degree felony. He picked the children up from their mother in Washington state on May 16 for his scheduled visitation time, the newspaper reported, noting that authorities initially said the abduction occurred in Saratoga Springs.

On Friday, the mother called the Saratoga Springs Police Department after Richman failed to appear at a scheduled deposition hearing.

Richman had apparently emailed his attorney that morning saying he no longer needed her services and wouldn’t be attending the scheduled hearing, according to charging documents cited by the newspaper.

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Richman’s home appeared to be vacant when police visited, authorities said.

“Given Dane’s financial situation as well as the fact that he appears to have abandoned his house to foreclosure, it seems that Dane has possibly been planning this attempt to kidnap the children several days if not multiple weeks in advance,” investigators wrote in the court documents.

On May 18, Richman’s 2025 Toyota Camry had some service done in Carlsbad, California, about 50 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border, authorities said.

Images taken from surveillance cameras identified Richman in Southern California, the report states.

On Sunday, a warrant was issued for Richman’s arrest.

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Police said they are in the process of having the Amber Alert shared throughout Mexico.

Anyone with information on Richman’s whereabouts is urged to call the Utah County Sheriff’s Office at 801-798-5600, or dial 911.

Original article source:Utah father charged with abducting 2 infant sons may have fled to Mexico, police say: ‘Seriously depressed’

A mom to two missing Utah boys has issued a desperate plea amid fears they may have been snatched by their dad, whom authorities have previously described as “seriously depressed.”

Lizzie Tomich’s voice cracked in a social media video as she begged for the safe return of Will Richman, 1, and 10-month-old Wesley, both of whom were last seen on May 16.

“Please, like, share, repost everything,” she said in the video.

Tomich co-parents her two children with Dane Stephen Richman, who lives in Utah, and he collected the brothers from her Sheldon, Washington, home as part of a routine custody exchange but he failed to return them a week later.

Richman, 46, reportedly told Tomich he and the boys were camping, but he pulled out of a deposition custody hearing on Friday, raising alarm.

A welfare check was carried out at Richman’s Saratoga Springs home before authorities issued an Amber Alert.

“At that point, we called the police to do a welfare check on him,” Tomich said.

“When the police arrived, we learned that the house was vacant and there were things being moved out. 

“There was no car and Dane and the boys were not home. When we learned this, we knew something was wrong.”

Tomich shared messages she exchanged with Richman, where she asked, “Where are you? Where are the kids right now?”

“With me, I’m driving,” Richman supposedly replied before saying they were “camping.”

Tomich then revealed she arrived at the supposed meet-up location 15 minutes earlier than planned.

“As the time approached, I began calling and texting him asking for an ETA. He did not respond. At, approximately 12: 01 p.m. is when I began to panic and when we called police,” she said.

Tomich’s family lawyer, Brittany Skinner, then interjected, adding, “After further investigation with the police, we learned that Dane’s quit his job.

“He’s sold almost all of his possessions. He has left with almost everything he has, with the clear intention of not returning with these children.”

Tomich’s voice cracked as she begged, “Please, like, share, repost everything, share with your family, share with your friends, anybody you know, they could be anywhere. Please,” revealing that her sons have “infectious smiles.. dimples and blue eyes.”

Richman has been charged with custodial interference, a third-degree felony, but authorities fear he may have crossed into Mexico, KTVX reported.

Cops suspect Richman was likely in Carlsbad, California, on May 18 – and crossed the border the following day.

Authorities said “There is concern for the safety and well-being of the children as the suspect has been seriously depressed, selling possessions, facing financial stress, and abandoned his home,” as they issued the Amber Alert.

But when cops were carrying out the welfare check, it’s since emerged they stopped a “moving truck,” Katie Walters, the brothers’ aunt told KTVX.

“He had completely moved out of his house that the children were supposed to be living in, and the moving truck was just actually pulling out of the driveway, and the police were able to stop the moving truck, and they asked what’s going on,” she said.

“They said they didn’t even know because they never even saw the owner of the home while they were there. They only were communicating via text.”

Addressing Richman, she said, “To Dane, just please be safe. We love you and we love those kids.”

Richman is reportedly driving a black Toyota Camry that has a Utah license plate A561HL, but cops suspect the car is a newer model and it could have a temporary tag. 

SALT LAKE CITY, (ABC4) — Whether you’re a lifelong resident or just visiting one of the state’s many national parks for the Memorial Day weekend, understanding how the seven principles of Leave No Trace operate in Utah’s many landscapes can be tricky and overwhelming.

Practicing Leave No Trace is just that: a practice. Different ecosystems and activities may call for different applications, according to U.S. National Park Service. However, the cumulative efforts of the millions of people who enjoy the outdoors make a noticeable difference in ecosystems.

ABC4.com has compiled a comprehensive guide to keeping our outdoors pristine in accordance with Leave No Trace principles. Between Utah’s dry red rocks, snowy alpine terrain, and many lakes and streams, here’s how to make the most out of your next outing.

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Plan ahead and prepare

Studying the regulations and conditions of the area you plan to visit is key to being prepared for Utah’s rugged outdoors. Generally, it’s recommended to bring several extra layers in case of unpredictable weather and to visit in small groups to minimize impact.

In Utah’s deserts, it’s easy to overheat and run out of water. Be sure to know the areas where water is especially scarce and plan accordingly. It’s also recommended to hike between 4 a.m. and noon to avoid the hottest and most dangerous parts of the day.

Planning outings in the snow may be a more rigorous process. Batteries and lightweight stoves may not work as well in the cold; simple things like tying shoelaces and heating water take longer, and the weather is much less predictable at high elevations.

Additionally, it is recommended to carry an avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel. Leave an itinerary and a return time with friends staying behind, and use a map and compass rather than relying on tree markings or rock cairns, which may be obscured by snowfall.

For those planning amphibious outings, it is also important to have a flexible schedule, as campsites along waterways can change frequently with the season, depending on the water flow and adjacent terrain.

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Travel and camp on durable surfaces

No matter where you go, it is critical to minimize your footprint by sticking to existing trails and walking in a single file in the middle of the path. Additionally, good camping sites are found, not made; preserve riverbank areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes or streams.

Vegetation in desert environments is especially vulnerable, so always camp on rock, gravel or sand when available. Also, be careful that the area you choose is not in a flash flood zone by watching out for past debris, dramatic terrain, sparse vegetation and smooth rocks.

You can minimize your winter camping impacts by pitching your tent in areas of deep snow cover or, preferably, the thick ice of a lake. Be mindful of fragile branches overhead, as they may be extra brittle in the cold and fall.

Hiking in wintry environments is challenging. Crampons, or shoe spikes, can wear down quickly when not walking on snow. In the muddy spring, it is still recommended to stay on snow or walk in the middle of the trail to avoid creating new trails or damaging trailside plants.

For those using watercraft, always dock at established sites. If none are available, opt to beach it on sand or rock rather than grass. To fully minimize your footprint, avoid walking on vegetation altogether.

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Dispose of waste properly

You’ve heard it before: pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite for litter, clean dishes with biodegradable soap and scatter the dishwater, and dig cat holes six to eight inches deep and at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails.

Unfortunately, most desert ecosystems lack the moisture and organisms that typically break down solid human waste in cat holes, so it will need to be packed out. If cat holes are permitted, locate them on south-facing slopes and don’t dig deep to allow the sun to do the work.

Snow-covered environments present a similar issue. Be prepared to pack out solid waste if the ground can’t be reached through the snow or if it’s frozen. Additionally, it is recommended to pack non-greasy meals that don’t require cooking to make things easier on yourself.

Along many river corridors throughout Utah, use of a portable toilet is mandatory. According to Leave No Trace Dude, “cat holes quickly convert a campsite into a litter box.” Avoid this by complying with the regulations or by doing your business far, far away.

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Leave what you find

Utah is home to some of the greatest archaeological sites in the country. In addition to leaving rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them, remember to preserve the past by examining but not touching.

This is perhaps most sensitive in Southern Utah. For organic litter, such as pine needles, it is advised not to move them to make way for a tent, as they help reduce soil erosion, retain moisture and release scarce nutrients into the soil, which is essential for Utah’s deserts.

Especially near Moab, you will find trailhead signs that read, “Don’t bust the crust” and “Don’t tiptoe on the crypto,” in reference to knobby black bumps that line many trails. According to biologist Jayne Belnap, these biocrusts are extremely fragile. If destroyed, it “can wreak havoc on ecosystems hundreds of miles away, and even accelerate the melting of ice and snow when they are coated in heat-absorbing dust.”

If you build a shelter in a snowscape, it is recommended that you disassemble it before leaving the area. Leaving it up could attract other recreationalists to traffic the area, and there are potential safety concerns if they decide to enter a melting structure.

Along Utah’s waterways, adhere to Leave No Trace principles by properly disposing of live bait and thoroughly cleaning equipment to prevent the spread of invasive species, such as Quagga mussels, which are currently causing damage at Lake Powell.

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Minimize campfire impacts

Always check fire restrictions and permits before burning. You should use established rings and lightweight stoves over open burns. Keep fires small using sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand, keep fire buckets handy, and scatter the cool ashes after it’s extinguished.

Fire danger can vary greatly depending on desert flora. You can visit Utah Division of Fire, Forestry, and State Lands for maps and more information. Still, it is recommended to be mindful of the distance from the fire to flammable objects and wind strength, which could carry embers.

U.S. National Forest Service explains that a fire is not out if it’s still hot to the touch. Whitish or gray coals can retain heat for several hours and even be insulated by dirt or sand that’s simply kicked onto them. Disperse and stir hot coals, then pack them out.

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Respect wildlife

Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them. Feeding them damages their health, alters their natural behaviors, and potentially exposes them to predators. Additionally, secure your smellables and keep your pets under control.

Water sources are scarce in Utah’s deserts, so it is especially important to be careful, as a single mistake can endanger the entire ecosystem. Camp far away and visit only during daytime hours. Some animals, such as coyotes, primarily frequent water sources at night to avoid predators.

Conversely, fewer food sources in the winter create a vulnerable environment for animals. Disturbing them may cause them to expend additional energy due to stress. Be sure to use a bear locker or tie up a bear bag if you’re in the backcountry.

Always check regulations specific to the waterway you are fishing in. Give waterfowl plenty of room, especially during mating and nesting season. For more information, visit Utah Division of Wildlife Resources’ Waterfowl and Migratory Game Birds Guidebook.

Be considerate of other visitors

Leave No Trace includes leaving a mark on others’ experiences in the outdoors. Let nature’s sounds prevail, camp away from trails and other visitors, yield to downhill traffic when hiking and match your clothing to blend in with your surroundings.

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 For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. 

CEDAR CITY, Utah (ABC4) — Monday marks the first Memorial Day for the first national veterans cemetery in Southern Utah.

The Southern Utah National Cemetery, located at 2181 West 1600 South, was dedicated on September 10, 2025. It is one of over 150 Veteran cemeteries across the nation. Close to 95% of Veterans have a VA or VA grant-funded burial option within 75 miles of their home.

The cemetery is one of eight cemeteries designated under the “Rural Initiative.” The assistant director of the cemetery, Chrissy Dixon, told ABC4.com that the initiative helps “ensure that veterans have a close place to bury their loved ones and their families.”

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“This dedication expands VA’s initiative to provide Veterans living in rural locations with final resting places closer to their homes,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “Generations of families will come to visit and remember their loved ones here — a place of spiritual comfort and healing. We will not forget the sacrifices and commitment of those interred in this sacred ground.”

Just over eight acres of the land was acquired for the cemetery in September 2018. Currently, just two acres have been developed for use. Construction started in September 2023 and cost nearly $12 million. The project resulted in an approximate $7 million in economic impact to the local economy. It’s expected to meet the burial needs of nearly 15,000 veterans in the surrounding areas of Cedar City and St. George.

“As a veteran myself and seeing the community come together, it’s always uplifting to see people remember our history, the history of our nation and everything that veterans have done in service of this nation and making the ultimate sacrifice, and even those who didn’t, knowing that they spent their lives giving whatever amount of time of service to this nation,” Dixon said.

 National cemetery set to open in southern Utah next year 

The first phase of the cemetery in September included 28 traditional gravesites, 345 in-ground crypts, 320 columbarium niches, a memorial wall for 192 markers, 1,204 standard and 34 oversized pre-placed crypts, a committal shelter for interment memorial services, an assembly plaza, restrooms and a pump house.

Dixon said that this is one of 167 National Cemeteries across the nation, and she added that this cemetery is a benefit for veterans. “I want them to know that this benefit exists,” she said.

Joseph Degolyer contributed to this story.

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SARATOGA SPRINGS, Utah (KSL) — A Saratoga Springs man who was the focus of a weekend Amber Alert appears to have abducted his two young boys and fled to Mexico, police say.

Investigators say the man just quit his job, had financial troubles, was in a custody dispute over the children, and may have been planning the abduction for weeks.

Police issued an Amber Alert late Saturday and early Sunday, saying the two boys — ages 10 months and 22 months — are in danger and were taken by their father, Dane Stephen Richman, 46, of Saratoga Springs.

He was charged Sunday in 4th District Court with two counts of custodial interference, a third-degree felony.

“There is concern for the safety and well-being of the children as the suspect has been seriously depressed, selling possessions, facing financial stress, and abandoned his home,” the Amber Alert states.

On May 16, Richman picked the children up from their mother in Washington state for his scheduled visitation time, though police initially said the abduction occurred in Saratoga Springs.

On Friday morning, the children’s mother contacted Saratoga Springs police to request a welfare check after the father missed a deposition for a custody hearing scheduled that morning at 10 a.m. Richman had emailed his attorney that morning that he no longer needed her services and wouldn’t be attending the scheduled hearing, according to charging documents.

Officers then visited Richman’s home, but no one was there. Police said there was no cause for concern at that point. Court documents, however, indicate that “officers noted that the home appeared to look vacant from the outside.”

The mother was scheduled to pick up the children at his house at noon on Saturday, but when he didn’t show up, she contacted police again at 12:35 p.m. Officers began talking to neighbors to determine the last time Richman or the two boys were last seen.

“No friends, family or other contacts have been able to reach Dane, including the police department attempts,” an arrest warrant states.

Police learned that on Monday, May 18, Richman’s black 2025 Toyota Camry had some service done in Carlsbad, California, about 50 miles from the southern U.S. border. Investigators also obtained surveillance images that identified Richman in Southern California, according to the charges.

Richman’s cellphone location was last reported near the Mexican border at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, and the vehicle crossed the border into Mexico later that day, the charges say.

Late Saturday, police issued an Amber Alert on all digital signs on Utah highways. An alert was issued to all cellphones in Utah about 7:30 a.m. Sunday. On Sunday night, a warrant was issued for Richman’s arrest.

“As detectives have continued to investigate this case, they have learned that (Richman’s) financial situation was dire, including being upside down on his mortgage after it appears that he took out an additional line of credit on the home equity,” according to court documents. Richman also unexpectedly quit his job from Fibertel LLC on May 11.

Richman’s boss said he told him he was unable to continue working because of ongoing legal battles with his ex-girlfriend over the custody of his children. The boss also noted that Richman “had originally been a quality hard working productive employee, but that over the last six months had become less reliable and more erratic,” the warrant states.

“Given Dane’s financial situation as well as the fact that he appears to have abandoned his house to foreclosure, it seems that Dane has possibly been planning this attempt to kidnap the children several days if not multiple weeks in advance,” investigators wrote in the court documments.

A neighbor told police that Richman has a satellite phone and family members said Richman is “comfortable and confidence when it comes to living off of the grid.”

Police said they are in the process of having the same Amber Alerts shared throughout Mexico.

Richman is 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighs about 195 pounds, and has brown hair and green eyes, according to the alert. Authorities said his clothing description was unknown.

The missing children are Wesley Dane Richman, a 10-month-old boy described as 2 feet 2 inches and weighing about 23 pounds with blonde or strawberry-blond hair and blue eyes, and Will Thomas Richman, 22 months old, who is described as 2 feet 6 inches, weighing about 31 pounds with blonde or strawberry-blond hair and blue eyes.

Anyone with information is urged to call police at 801-798-5600 or dial 911 immediately.

Contributing: Sicily Stanton

The post Utah father in Amber Alert kidnapped boys and fled to Mexico, police say appeared first on East Idaho News.

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s drought situation has worsened in recent weeks as its record-low snowpack melts off, even prompting Gov. Spencer Cox to issue a drought declaration.

As he spoke about the dry conditions, federal forecasters unveiled new long-range weather models that signal some hope on the horizon.

Most of Utah and the Four Corners states are listed as having stronger odds for above-normal precipitation this meteorological summer, which runs from June 1 through Aug. 31, according to an updated three-month outlook from the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center released on Thursday.

Experts say that it won’t solve all the problems caused by the poor snowpack, but it could help ease some of the challenges the state is facing this summer, should the forecast come to fruition.

“It’s kind of what we’ve been hoping for,” said KSL meteorologist Matt Johnson. But he and others warn that a projected El Niño oceanic pattern this summer may affect how everything plays out.

What’s expected this summer?

The center’s report lists most of Utah as having between a 33% and 50% shot of above-average precipitation throughout the meteorological summer months of June, July and August. Utah’s western edge is listed as having “equal chances,” meaning there’s no clear signal for a wetter, drier or near-normal season, while the strongest odds are in eastern Utah.

The state also has a 40% to 50% probability of above-normal temperatures, potentially adding to a trend for this summer and the year as a whole.

However, there are many caveats to consider, starting in the Pacific Ocean.

Forecasters say there’s now an 82% probability that an El Niño pattern will develop by the end of July. This happens when Pacific Ocean trade winds that push surface waters toward Asia weaken, allowing for warmer water to remain closer to the American coast.

While its weather impacts are more pronounced in the winter, a summer El Niño can affect the Western monsoon, said Basil Newmerzhysky, fire meteorologist for the Great Basin Coordination Center.

Western monsoons occur when moisture from the oceans is drawn over the region, producing showers and thunderstorms. These typically develop in Arizona and New Mexico by mid-June, before reaching Utah by mid-July. They can linger into August and September, too, but the oceanic pattern can alter timelines.

“It’s really tricky right now. If the El Niño strengthens a little bit more, that monsoon can be delayed by several weeks,” Newmerzhysky said, noting that it typically still arrives in these scenarios, but potentially in August.

El Niño’s potential impacts could also create periods of stronger moisture at one point of the summer and not evenly across the season, meaning potentially dry conditions at the start. Great Basin Coordination Center officials previously said it could “make or break” Utah’s fire season.

An El Niño setup can also push the monsoon eastward, which is likely why models hint toward eastern Utah having stronger precipitation odds. It’s going to depend on the predominant high-pressure and low-pressure systems set up over the summer, Johnson said.

All of this is probabilistic and doesn’t project how much more above-normal any precipitation could be, though, which are other caveats.

There’s usually a correlation between a bad winter snowpack and a good ensuing summer monsoon, Johnson explained. But Utah experienced its eighth-hottest and 15th-driest summer since at least 1895 last year, despite a somewhat favorable forecast for Utah after a poor snowpack across central and southern parts of the state.

Monsoonal moisture is also notoriously difficult to forecast. Gulf moisture mixes with heat that creates isolated afternoon showers, which can create massive downpours in some areas while skipping neighboring areas in some cases.

“The likelihood that we see above-normal precipitation over this three-month period is enhanced. The signal is definitely there for it to happen,” Johnson said, adding there’s no guarantee that it will happen for everyone in the state.

Why it matters

A productive monsoon wouldn’t fix all of the state’s water woes. The state’s reservoir system, which relies more on snowpack runoff, is 70% full, slightly below the median average for May. It’s the first time it’s been below the median in years, following the record-high snowpack in 2023.

When combined with current drought conditions, monsoons can also cause damaging floods.

Yet, if the right conditions align, monsoons can improve soil moisture and groundwater supplies while reducing fire risk and evaporative losses from lakes and reservoirs.

That would be the ideal situation for Utah, given its drought.

“It’s going to be interesting to see how this all pans out,” Johnson said.

The Key Takeaways for this article were generated with the assistance of large language models and reviewed by our editorial team. The article, itself, is solely human-written.

Two Utah toddlers are missing and facing “imminent danger of serious bodily harm or death,” after their “seriously depressed” father allegedly failed to attend a custody exchange.

An AMBER Alert was issued for the two boys, Will Richman, 22 months and Wesley Richman, 10 months, in Saratoga Springs, Utah, on Saturday, May 16.

One relative posted: “Please, we need your help and prayers for these boys.”

The AMBER Alert described their father, Dane Stephen Richman, as “seriously depressed,” and under financial stress. The alert, issued by the Utah Department of Public Safety, said that he had been selling his possessions and had abandoned his home.

Richman has been identified as a suspect. The children’s mother contacted the police to request a welfare check on Thursday, after Dane Richman missed a court-related deposition in an ongoing custody case, according to a report from KUTV.

The mother contacted police again on Saturday, after the children were supposed to be returned in a custody exchange, and no one showed up.

That call triggered the AMBER Alert.

The AMBER Alert states that “The first suspect is identified as Dane Stephen Richman. He is 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighing 195 pounds. He has brown hair and green eyes.”

The two boys have blonde hair and blue eyes. Will Richman is 2 feet 6 inches, and weighs about 31 Ibs. Wesley Richman is 2 feet 2 inches and weighs about 23 Ibs.

Authorities said that they are believed to be in a Black Toyota Camry with a Utah license plate A561HL, but note that the vehicle could have a temporary tag and that the license plate may not be visible.

A woman named Kate Walters shared a post to Facebook and identified herself as a family member. “My sister’s children have been abducted,” she wrote in the post, adding, “Please, we need your help and prayers for these boys.”

What is an AMBER Alert?

An AMBER Alert—short for America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response—is an emergency notification system designed to notify the public when a child is believed to have been abducted and faces imminent danger of serious injury or death.

When law enforcement confirms that a child under 17 has been taken and meets activation criteria, the alert is issued. It pushes details about the child, the suspected abductor, and any associated vehicle across multiple channels, including Wireless Emergency Alerts, TV and radio broadcasts, and highway message boards.

Since its launch, the AMBER Alert system has been credited with helping recover more than 1,000 missing children across the United States.

The goal is to enlist the public’s help in the critical early hours of an abduction. This gives law enforcement additional eyes and ears to aid in locating missing children and apprehending suspects. Officials emphasize that such alerts are time-sensitive and are often deployed within hours of an abduction to maximize the chances of safely recovering a child.