With a mix of spring warmth, high winds, blistering cold and sporadic snow storms, it is safe to say this winter has been strange and unreliable. Especially in comparison to previous years, some people have been left wondering where winter has gone. Surprisingly, the state of Utah’s snowpack is actually quite good.
Utah uses the snow water equivalent scale to determine moisture levels each year. This estimates how much water would cover the ground if all the snow melted. The Utah government actually has moisture records using this scale all the way from 1981, which can be viewed by the public on their website.
Normally Utah gets around 9.7 inches by this time of year, but this year’s National Resources Conservation Service data reveals that Utah has already had 12.9 inches. With this influx of moisture, Utah’s reservoirs are currently at about 83% full, which is promising for the upcoming year.
“In Utah, we are either in drought or preparing for the next one, so we always need to use our water wisely,” says the Utah Division of Water Resources’ website. As a desert, Utah is always in need of water and good years like this one help to prepare for future years of drought.
Even with a promising snowpack so far, it is still important to save water. During the summer, planning ways to minimize running taps, unattended sprinklers and reckless water use help to make sure there is enough to go around. At the same time, saving clean water in jugs for long-term use is also a good idea just in case of emergency.
Whatever happens, winter isn’t quite over. There’s still time to enjoy the snow and plan for the fun days in the sun ahead.
For more information about Utah’s snowpack condition, visit this website.
Author: Caden Wiegman
Photographer: Lukas Hassell
Editor: Lily Brunson
outdoors@suunews.net
