One snowstorm isn’t enough to get Utah back on track, latest water conditions update says
Feb 23, 2026
Though Utah just had a relatively active storm cycle, that kind of activity would need to persist through April, when the state typically experiences peak snowpack, to even approach normal runoff in the spring, according to the latest Utah Water Conditions Update.
Some areas, such as the Sevie
r River Basin, were in such a deficit that they remain at record-breaking low levels of snow water equivalent, the report said. Even over an inch of water falling in the last week isn’t enough to bring the basin up to previous years.
“We appreciate the good storm! Now we need several more!” said Joel Williams, director at the Utah Division of Water Resources. “We’ll need consistent snowstorms to make up for the snow deficiency we have been experiencing this winter.”
Water managers will most likely rely on reservoir storage from previous years this summer. Water conservation will remain critical. Any water held in reservoirs can be used for other purposes and will help stretch the state’s water supply. Reservoir storage averages 67% full, which is slightly higher than normal for this time of year.
As noted in the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Feb. 1 Water Supply Outlook Report, observations suggest that there is only about a 10% chance of reaching a normal snowpack peak this winter.
The Department of Natural Resources continues to promote initiatives such as the Agricultural Water Optimization Program for farmers and SlowtheFlow.org for residents. These programs aim to educate and incentivize water-saving practices, ensuring Utahns become more drought-resilient and prepare for future conditions. Many indoor water-saving tips are available on the Slow the Flow website.
See the full update below:
Utah Water Conditions Update 02_19_26.docxDownload
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