As spring temperatures begin to climb across the Wasatch Back, a largely unseen but critical seasonal process has begun: runoff. Fed by melting mountain snow, spring runoff supplies the region’s rivers, reservoirs and, ultimately, the Great Salt Lake.  This time of year, human behavior ca n significantly influence water quality. “Summit County is part of three major drainage basins: the Weber River, Provo River and Bear River,” said Nathan Brooks, director of environmental health for Summit County. “Spring runoff is currently underway, with higher elevation snow beginning to melt and feed streams and rivers.” Those systems connect the high-elevation snowpack to downstream waterways, with the Weber River flowing toward the Wasatch Front and into the Great Salt Lake, while the Provo River drains through Utah Lake and the Jordan River before reaching the same terminal lake. The Bear River follows a longer path through Bear Lake before eventually emptying into the Great Salt Lake. This year’s relatively low snowpack is expected to shift runoff patterns, Brooks said. With less snow at lower elevations, much of the seasonal flow will depend on higher-altitude snowfields. Peak runoff historically occurs around mid-May, but in lighter snow years, it can arrive earlier or fluctuate depending on spring storms and temperature swings. Sure, a silver lining of a smaller snowpack means less flooding risk during runoff season. But generally, a winter like this isn’t great, Brooks said. “Cool, wet spring conditions slow the melt, resulting in more gradual and consistent runoff, whereas warm or dry conditions can accelerate it,” he said. “A smaller snowpack is generally not favorable, as mountain snow provides critical water storage for hot, dry summers.” While water from inside homes is sent to wastewater treatment facilities to be cleaned, snowmelt and rainwater runoff from roofs, streets and peaks enter storm drains and directly into nearby waterways, meaning it can pick up pollutants and contaminate the state’s waterways. It’s why the public is an equal player in the health of the watershed, the department said. Common sources of contamination can be mundane: grass clippings and leaves left in the street, excess fertilizer on lawns, car-washing runoff and improperly disposed household chemicals.  Pet waste is another significant pollutant. When not properly disposed of, it washes into waterways, introducing phosphates and nitrates. An infographic on the county’s website references reports from Colorado that 390 million pounds of dog poop can enter the state’s waterways each year, contributing to water quality issues and algae growth. In Park City, dog waste left behind flows into McLeod, which flows through Run-A-Muk dog area, and Silver, or “Poison,” Creeks, which closely follows the Rail Trail. Both empty into the Weber River.  Yard waste is a major contributor of phosphorus in urban runoff, and the excess is a leading cause of harmful algal blooms in lakes and reservoirs. Those blooms not only degrade water clarity and create unpleasant odors, but can also deplete oxygen levels, threatening fish and other aquatic life. They can also make drinking water more difficult and costly to treat. Brooks said Summit County Public Works crews will track debris that can clog culverts and drainage systems, especially during flooding risks, while the Utah Department of Environmental Quality tests water quality annually for indicators including temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, E. coli and nutrient levels.  The department emphasized that reducing pollution during the runoff season does not require sweeping changes but consistent, mindful habits. Residents are encouraged to keep yard debris out of streets and gutters, follow recommended fertilizer guidelines and clean up pet waste promptly. Washing cars at commercial facilities, where water is treated and recycled, can also significantly cut down on pollutants entering storm drains. Proper disposal of household hazardous materials, careful use of de-icing salts and ensuring that pool or hot tub water is dechlorinated before draining are additional steps that can protect local waterways. As runoff continues in the coming weeks, Brooks said residents should also remain attentive to changing conditions, including rising stream levels, murky water and blocked drainage systems. These signs can indicate increased risk to both infrastructure and water quality. The post What to know about spring runoff in Summit County appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less