Utah leaders say increased Great Salt Lake water levels won't impact preservation efforts

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Mother Nature gave the Great Salt Lake a big boost over this past winter season. Thanks to abundant moisture, lake levels have risen four feet since an all-time low was reached in November of 2022.

After spring runoff is complete, the lake could rise another one to three feet.

“No one expected this,” said Candice Hasenyager, the director of the Utah Division of Water Resources.

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Some have wondered if an easing of the crisis facing the lake might cause people to stop paying attention to its issues and challenges.

“The short answer is no,” Hasenyager said. “We can’t take our eyes off the ball. Utah is either in a drought or preparing for the next drought.”

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox was also asked in a March press conference if there is a danger of state leaders diverting their attention from the lake.

"This is certainly a narrative that I keep hearing, yet no one is saying that at all,” Cox said. “In fact, you’re hearing just the opposite from state leaders, legislative leaders, my administration. What we’re saying is this is a great opportunity for us."

Cox said the added water buys the state some time for longer-term measures to begin to take effect.

Already, activity that hasn’t been seen on the lake in years is now taking place.

“I’ve been telling people for the last two years that I would never in my lifetime be able to sail the Great Salt Lake again,” Utah resident Larry Carr said. “This lake is making a liar out of me.”

2News caught up with Carr Friday as he was launching his sailboat in the marina.

“Today, we’re launching our boat for the first time in three years in the Great Salt Lake,” he said. “I’m pretty thrilled. Christmas came in May.”