WEATHER

Recent storms help Utah’s snow pack, but hydrologists say we’re still far behind where it should be

Feb 18, 2021, 7:25 AM | Updated: 8:59 am

Snowpack is already seemingly low, but some grant money could help U of U researchers develop bette...

File photo: A mix of a shallow snowpack and dry hillsides can be seen in Emigration Canyon on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021. (PHOTO: Kristin Murphy, Deseret News)

(PHOTO: Kristin Murphy, Deseret News)

SALT LAKE COUNTY – After a record amount of snowfall on Wednesday, did yesterday’s storms really bring Utah anywhere closer to a normal snowpack level?  Some hydrologists say the storms did make somewhat of a dent in our drought situation, but we’re way lower than where we should be. 

Hydrologists estimate the state is seeing roughly 80 percent of normal snowpack, and that’s the statewide average.

Utah Snow Survey Supervisor Jordan Clayton says, “There are other portions of the state that have not fared as well, like the eastern Uintahs and the southwest corner of the state.”

So, how much more snow do we need?  Clayton says ten inches of powder roughly equates to one inch of water.  That means we would need to get roughly five more feet of snow.

“We have around six inches [of water] to go with where we are on the statewide snow water equivalent from where we would like to be to call it an average winter,” Clayton says.

To put things in perspective, Clayton said Wednesday’s storm dropped two inches of water across northern Utah.

“We would need to see the equivalent of these to get to average by the beginning of April, which is kind of a long shot,” Clayton said.  “Were not looking at a drought-buster situation, yet.  We still have below-average snowpack and we’re anticipating ending the snow year remaining in that below-average snowpack conditions.”

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Weather

Thunderstorms this weekend...

Aimee Cobabe

Thunderstorms coming to Utah, expected to last all weekend

Thunderstorms are expected to move into the Beehive State tomorrow and last all weekend long. None expected to be severe.

11 months ago

The Great Salt Lake on Wednesday. Utah researchers say the lake may end up gaining 6 feet between N...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

Record snowpack likely adds 2 years to Great Salt Lake’s long-term outlook, experts say

When taking into account the typical summer loss, he projects that the lake will be about 4,192.5 feet to 4,193 feet by the end of the year, close to current levels.

11 months ago

riverbanks...

Lindsay Aerts

Utahns breath sigh of relief on major flood risk, for now

Some relief is here when it comes to flood risk with cooler temperatures expected over the next week. But Utah's rivers are certainly not out of the woods.

11 months ago

"Stream Team" (KSL-TV)...

Dan Rascon, KSL-TV

Salt Lake City crews trade in desk work for 24/7 flood watch

The crews come from the Salt Lake City Public Utilities department and are usually working office jobs not walking along river banks.

11 months ago

The old city od Jerusalem on March 26, 2023. (Ben Winslow / FOX 13 NEWS)...

Heather May and Ben Winslow, Great Salt Lake Collaborative

Why did Utah leaders go to Israel?

Israel is one of the driest countries in the world. The country went from water scarcity to water surplus, what can Utah learn?

11 months ago

Ruth's Diner in Emigration Canyon has begun to experience some flooding, however, they remain open ...

SHARA PARK KSLTV.com

National Weather Service issues flood warning for Emigration Creek

The National Weather Service to issue a flood warning through Thursday as Emigration Creek swelled and jumped it's bed.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Recent storms help Utah’s snow pack, but hydrologists say we’re still far behind where it should be