![]() ![]() Geologic Survey created a compelling visual showing the record high in 1986 and (the previous) record low in July 2022. Despite natural variations, we know there is a water level and high salinity at which the Great Salt Lake ecosystem could collapse, and we know this will affect both public health and the health of Utah’s economy.Īs of late April 2023, Great Salt Lake is almost four feet higher than its all-time low in November 2022. One of my colleagues described saline lakes as “flashy”-they can change quickly in a short period of time because the shallow water can quickly dry up or quickly fill. For bird species like Eared Grebe and Wilson’s Phalarope that rely on saline lakes for food and rest in their migratory journey, the long-term drying trend at Great Salt Lake-and other saline lakes in the American West-is very concerning.Īll saline lakes around the West (and the world) naturally rise and fall with varying weather conditions and seasons-and that includes Great Salt Lake. It would take many more winters in a row like this one, as well as good precipitation in the summers, to recover to an optimal amount of water for the lake. But that doesn’t mean the water challenges facing Great Salt Lake and its wetlands are solved. Great Salt Lake will benefit from great precipitation this winter.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |