Statewide snowpack in Utah hits historic low, survey finds

The survey reported that as of Jan. 31, Utah’s snow levels started setting records. Utah’s statewide snow water equivalent (SWE) measured at our SNOTEL weather stations was an average of 5.1 inches.

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — A report from the NRCS-Utah Snow Survey announced that there is a new record low for statewide snowpack.

The survey reported that as of Jan. 31, Utah’s snow levels started setting records. Utah’s statewide snow water equivalent (SWE) measured at our SNOTEL weather stations was an average of 5.1 inches. This marks a new record low since the start of the SNOTEL era in 1980.

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“Unfortunately, we are setting records now for how poor our snowpack is, and we will continue to do so every day until we start to see some snow,” said Jordan Clayton, supervisor of the NRCS-Utah Snow Survey.

Future water use

Snowpacks measure the water content of the snow. The amount of water in the snowpack is important because it is critical for future water use, such as for municipal needs.

“We get most of the water that we need from our snowpack,” Clayton said. “95 percent of the water that we use for municipalities, for domestic use, for agriculture, for industry… comes from our snowpack.”

*Snow water equivalent percent. Courtesy: NRCS*

31 of Utah’s 140 SNOTEL sites are reporting a record low level of SWE. Of Utah’s major basins, four have record low SWE based on current conditions. The statewide snow water equivalent (SWE) is only about one-third of our usual statewide peak SWE.

More information on the survey can be found online.

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Source: Utah News