Drought Information Statement for Utah and Uinta County, WY Valid October 6, 2026 Issued By: National Weather Service Salt Lake City, UT Contact Information: nws.saltlakecity@noaa.gov This product will be updated by November 10, 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. Severe (D2) to extreme drought (D3) conditions continue across much of the Utah. 1 U.S. Drought Monitor Drought Intensity and Extent D3 (Extreme Drought): Portions of northern and central Utah D2 (Severe Drought): Most of the rest of Utah as well as eastern Uinta County, WY. D1 (Moderate Drought): Northeastern Utah, western Uinta County, WY and western Garfield and western Kane Counties. Recent Change in Drought Intensity One Week Drought Monitor Class Change. Minor Improvement: A few areas in Utah and Uinta County, WY saw a 1 category improvement in drought conditions. Precipitation Many areas of Utah saw near to above normal precipitation over the last 30 days. A few areas of central and far northwestern Utah saw below normal precipitation over the last 30 days. Temperature Temperatures averaged near normal across the region over the last 30 days. Summary of Impacts Hydrologic Impacts Reservoir storage is averaging 47% full, excluding Lake Powell and Flaming Gorge. Reservoir drawdown began to occur in May this year, which is 1-2 months earlier than normal. This will prolong our yearly drawdown period which typically lasts into October each year. Several reservoirs across central and southern Utah are at critically low capacity. Agricultural Impacts Pumpkin yield across Utah was significantly lower than normal, resulting in less employment for seasonal workers. A farmer in Ferron reported they were only able to irrigate half their fields due to cuts in water delivery and their total harvest was only 30% of normal. Fire Hazard Impacts None at this time. Other Impacts Pronghorn died due to malnutrition in portions of southwest Wyoming, a period when they are typically healthy. More sightings of mountain lions, bears, foxes, coyotes and other animals were noted in neighborhoods as animals searched for food and water. Anglers, guides were asked to forgo fishing on numerous low Wyoming rivers Mitigation Actions Please refer to your municipality and/or water provider for mitigation information. Hydrologic Conditions and Impacts Reservoir storage is averaging 47% full, excluding Lake Powell and Flaming Gorge. Reservoir drawdown began to occur in May this year, which is 1-2 months earlier than normal. This will prolong our yearly drawdown period which typically lasts into October each year. Several reservoirs across central and southern Utah are at critically low capacity. Seven Day Precipitation Forecast A strong Pacific system will combine with tropical moisture from Hurricane Rachel to bring a period of widespread moderate to heavy rain to the region from late Saturday to at least Tuesday. Long-Range Outlooks Odds generally favor above-normal temperatures for the month of October. Odds are tilted toward the month of October finishing below normal, but this forecast was issued October 1 prior to Hurricane Rachel’s impacts. Drought Outlook Drought is forecast to persist across northwestern Utah through the end of the year. Drought is forecast to improve and/or end across the remainder of Utah.