Drought Information Statement for Utah and Uinta County, WY Valid May 5, 2026 Issued By: National Weather Service Salt Lake City, UT Contact Information: nws.saltlakecity@noaa.gov This product will be updated June 5, 2026 or sooner if drought conditions change significantly. Please see all currently available products at https://drought.gov/drought-information-statements. Please visit https://www.weather.gov/SLC/DroughtInformationStatement for previous statements. Please visit https://www.drought.gov/drought-status-updates for regional drought status updates. Extreme drought (D3) conditions expanded across much of the Utah. Lowest ever snowpack conditions observed in Utah’s recorded history as of April 1 (since 1930). Significant wildland fire potential is forecast to be above normal over far southern Utah in May, with above normal potential spreading north across the entire state of Utah by July. 1 U.S. Drought Monitor Drought Intensity and Extent D3 (Extreme Drought): Much of central and southern Utah and far northern Box Elder County. D2 (Severe Drought): Much of northern Utah, Uinta County, WY, Washington, far western Millard, Beaver, and Iron, central Garfield and eastern Kane County. D1 (Moderate Drought): Northeastern Cache, northern Rich, far western and far southern Washington, western Garfield and western Kane County. {{DROUGHT_MONITOR}} Precipitation Areas of above normal precipitation are noted over northern and southwestern Utah over the last 30 days. The remainder of the Utah saw a continuation of the below normal precipitation through April. {{PRECIPITATION}} Temperature Over the last 30 days, the entire region saw temperatures average around 4 to 6 degrees above normal, with some areas seeing temperatures average 6 to 8 degrees above normal. {{TEMPERATURE}} Summary of Impacts Hydrologic Impacts Although water year precipitation for the majority of the state has been near normal, statewide average snowpack is at a record low in recorded history (since 1930). Record breaking temperatures this water year (October 1, 2025 - present) drove higher than normal snow levels across the area, limiting snowpack accumulation early in the water year, and the snow drought experienced for much of January into February significantly impacted the seasonal snowpack accumulation potential. Peak runoff has already occurred, when it normally is just beginning. Agricultural Impacts Mandatory 20% secondary water usage cuts for the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District were enacted. Users who do not reduce their water usage will be shut off from service. Mormon crickets emerged early due to the warm, dry winter, especially in Box Elder and Millard Counties. Farmers were advised to monitor for these pests. Some reservoirs are providing irrigation water 4 to 6 weeks earlier than normal. Ranchers in Box Elder County are providing supplemental feed as grass crops are not sufficient. Fire Hazard Impacts There are no known impacts at this time. Other Impacts The US Bureau of Reclamation has started releasing water from Flaming Gorge Reservoir in an effort to increase flows into Lake Powell. About 1.5 million acre feet of water that would normally flow through to Lake Mead will remain in Lake Powell. The record low snowpack led to a 1.5 million skier day reduction across Utah’s ski resorts. Stage 2 water shortage advisory has been declared for Salt Lake City, Utah. Iron and San Juan County have declared a drought emergency. Mitigation Actions Please refer to your municipality and/or water provider for mitigation information. Hydrologic Conditions and Impacts Statewide average reservoir capacities currently sit at 71% of average (excluding Flaming Gorge and Lake Powell). Current reservoir capacities are at median for this date, but are running 14% lower than last year due to significant drawdown during last year’s warm season months, and peak runoff having already come and gone. Hydrologic Conditions and Impacts Water supply forecasts are well below normal for all basins in Utah. Higher elevation watersheds in the north generally range between 45-56% of average on the high end, but many basins across the state are below 30% of average regarding forecast April-July accumulated runoff. Peak runoff has already occurred, when normally it would be just beginning. Daily Model Guidance - 5/5/2026 Fire Hazard Impacts Beginning in May, above normal potential for significant wildland fire is forecast across far southern Utah. By June, above normal significant wildland fire potential is forecast across most most of Utah. Above normal significant wildland fire potential is forecast across the entire state of Utah for July. {{FIRE_WEATHER}} Seven Day Precipitation Forecast After an unsettled period through Wednesday morning, little to no precipitation is forecast for the remainder of the 7 day period. {{QPF_7_DAY}} Long-Range Outlooks Odds are tilted toward above normal temperatures for the month of May, state-wide. For precipitation, odds are equal for near, above and below normal for the entire region. {{OUTLOOK_MONTHLY}} Drought Outlook Drought is likely to persist through the end of July across the region. {{OUTLOOK_DROUGHT_SEASONAL}}