On August 27, 2026, the Division of Water Resources reported that recent monsoon rains have reduced demand on local supplies in some areas but will not be sufficient to end drought conditions. Reservoirs and lakes are expected to continue declining until irrigation season ends in October. The division urged continued conservation, noting that saving water now supports statewide resilience.
Conditions at a glance include statewide reservoir storage at 52%, 1,028 wildfires reported so far this year, and 100% of the state classified in some stage of drought. These indicators reflect persistent aridity despite intermittent summer precipitation.
Recreation advisories remain in effect for monsoon season. The state recommends staying informed and prepared for rapidly changing weather and potential flash flooding; preparedness resources are available at beready.utah.gov.
Wildfire activity remains significant. Fires have burned over 553,150 acres this year, and three of the top 10 largest wildfires in state history have occurred this season: the Cottonwood Fire (96,181 acres), the Babylon Fire (102,854 acres), and the Widemouth 2 Fire (129,742 acres). More than 200 structures have been lost statewide. The state reported the loss of four federal wildland firefighters during the Snyder Fire and two pilots supporting the Widemouth 2 Fire. Residents are encouraged to continue practicing Fire Sense as conditions can change quickly.
Related wildlife activity has also increased. As of August 25, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and partner law enforcement agencies have responded 168 times to bear incidents across the state, compared with 83 responses in 2025. The agency cites multiple contributing factors, including severe drought; additional guidance is available at the Division of Wildlife Resources website.
Reservoirs, lakes and streams continue to show the effects of limited supply. Average reservoir storage is 52% full, which is 15% lower than normal for this time of year and 18% lower than the same time last year. At Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation, low water levels are creating new terrain and boating hazards; while the boat ramp is open, it requires frequent attention, and some parks close ramps at low levels to protect visitors and property. Current boating access information is posted on the Division of State Parks’ boat ramp conditions page. Harmful algal blooms are occurring across multiple waters; identification tips and current advisories are available at HABs.utah.gov.
River conditions vary by basin but reflect ongoing drought. On the Bear River, natural flow is 396 cubic feet per second (cfs), supplying about 28% of direct‑flow rights; conditions are broadly similar to the 2020 water year, with better snowpack, summer storms and storage releases supporting flows. The Upper Provo River is flowing at 50 cfs, providing about 16.2% of direct‑flow rights, with monsoons offering short‑lived increases. The Upper Duchesne River’s natural flow is 233 cfs, about 18.4% of direct‑flow rights, remaining below average and wet‑year levels and declining through summer. The Upper Sevier River’s natural flow is 49 cfs, supplying roughly 9.3% of first‑class direct‑flow rights and less than half of flows observed in 2021’s drought year. Detailed basin statistics are available in the full report here.
Conservation efforts continue statewide. The Agricultural Water Optimization Program supports water‑saving practices for producers, and SlowTheFlow.org offers tools and tips for residents, including indoor water‑saving guidance. For additional information, contact the division’s public information office at 385‑226‑8967 or email MASanchez@utah.gov.
