We focus so much on snowpack for our summer sailing water depths at Great Salt Lake. But that is just part of the story. On average, we get half of our annual lake level from snowpack runoff. And that is sitting at 148% today with the all-important Bear River Basin sitting at 139%. Very good numbers. But the other 50% of our annual lake level number comes from direct precipitation. I base a "Water Watch Year" on the amount of precipitation we get from October through May. These are the months the lake has a chance of coming up despite evaporation. Well we are sitting at 109% right now with March being responsible for 207% and April at 119%. Remember that April is only half way over and we are already at 119% of expected precipitation for the whole month! These are very good and important numbers. We are in solid territory for a net-positive lake level year. That means the lake will be higher this year in the fall than it was last year in the fall. We have learned, at Great Salt Lake, that times can be tough. We may have another tough year next year. We may also be out of this drought and may finally see a few good water years. We don't know. So let us get on the water and enjoy what we have been provided. The Harbor Master Eardley Spit Cruise (June 1) is just around the corner. Lets get those boats prepared for a great cruise and picnic! See you on the water! Dave Shearer Harbor Master Great Salt Lake State Marina 801-250-1898 [DNR Parks Logo]
