Bear River water flow metrics reveal significant year-over-year reductions

The Great Salt Lake Ecosystem Program Technical Advisory Group convened on April 2, 2024, to discuss critical updates regarding water flow and salinity levels in the Great Salt Lake region. The meeting highlighted significant findings related to cumulative stream flow and ongoing efforts to monitor water quality.

Key discussions centered on the current state of water flow in the Bear River and its tributaries. Data presented indicated that the cumulative stream flow is currently below the median, with the Bear River near Corinne showing only 35-40% of historic flow levels. In contrast, measurements from the Plain City site indicated a flow hovering around 26%, significantly lower than previous records. Overall, the group estimated that approximately 720,000 acre-feet of water have flowed through major inflows, which is about 30% lower than the same time last year.

The meeting also addressed the challenges of measuring discharge at the Bear River outflow, where continuous measurements have been difficult. Recent efforts included the installation of cameras and surface water velocity sensors to improve monitoring capabilities. These advancements aim to provide more accurate data for modeling water flow and managing the ecosystem effectively.

Salinity levels were another focal point of the discussion. Current measurements indicate that salinity remains relatively stable, with shallow salinity levels at various sites showing little variation. The group noted that the salinity data collected from February and March reflect ongoing conditions, with some sites recording salinity levels around 120 grams per liter.

In conclusion, the Technical Advisory Group emphasized the importance of continued monitoring and data collection to understand the dynamics of the Great Salt Lake ecosystem better. The findings from this meeting will inform future management strategies as the region navigates ongoing water challenges.