02-16-2012, 11:37 PM
The release of flow from Utah Lake into the Jordan is a complicated issue. Currently the lake is about an inch above the agreed upon compromise level. So if there are no flooding issues in the Jordan, then the river is used to drain the excess out of Utah Lake. That is what is happening now. According to the legallities of it, the gates can not be closed until the lake levels get below the compromise level.
It will be lowered until officials feel like they have enough storage space there (in additions to Deer Creek and Jordanelle) to capture the expected run off for this coming spring, and thus protecting strucutres from damage. Ideally, they would like to have no flooding and all reservoirs near full going into the water use period of June through September. That way they have the maximum amounts for sale. The biggest factors in the lowering Utah Lake are water use (irrigation and culinary) and evaporation.
Mother nature has the biggest impacts on the lake. A cool wet year reduces water (irrigation needs) and evaporation, thus keeping the levels higher. Pray for rain.
[signature]
It will be lowered until officials feel like they have enough storage space there (in additions to Deer Creek and Jordanelle) to capture the expected run off for this coming spring, and thus protecting strucutres from damage. Ideally, they would like to have no flooding and all reservoirs near full going into the water use period of June through September. That way they have the maximum amounts for sale. The biggest factors in the lowering Utah Lake are water use (irrigation and culinary) and evaporation.
Mother nature has the biggest impacts on the lake. A cool wet year reduces water (irrigation needs) and evaporation, thus keeping the levels higher. Pray for rain.
[signature]