While the above average snow has been noted by everyone, the lasting impacts are only starting to be understood. For the first time in three years, Utah is no longer in extreme drought, according to the data from the U.S. drought monitor map. This map updates every week with each state’s drought status. Snowpack has been the greatest since 1952, leaving every basin in Utah with more than 160% of normal impact. Last year, March 29, 2022, 36% of Utah was still in extreme drought. As of March 30th, 2023 that has decreased to 0%. That does not mean that there are no drought conditions this year. Last year, the state was 100% considered to be in moderate drought and now that is just below 65%. Severe drought was at 96% and is now only at about 20%.
