An Overview of Utah's Rivers & Lakes

Largest Water Features

• Utah's largest lakes include the Great Salt Lake, famous for its high salinity and unique ecosystem, and Lake Powell, a reservoir on the Colorado River known for its scenic red rock canyons.
• Major rivers include the Green River, known for its recreational opportunities like rafting, and the Colorado River, crucial for irrigation and recreation.
• Streams like the Provo River are popular for fly fishing and scenic beauty.

Water Sources

• Many of Utah's rivers, lakes, and streams are fed by local mountain snowmelt, ensuring seasonal flow and water availability.
• Some, like the Colorado River, also receive water from distant mountains in other states, impacting their flow and ecosystem dynamics.

Types of Rivers and Waterways

• Utah's major perennial rivers include the Green and Colorado Rivers, crucial for agriculture and recreation.
• Exotic rivers like the Escalante River offer unique landscapes and biodiversity.
• Man-made rivers, such as aqueducts and canals, are vital for irrigation, with examples like the Central Utah Project.

Types of Lakes

• Utah's lakes include tectonic features like Bear Lake, known for its turquoise waters and recreational activities.
• Man-made reservoirs like Strawberry Reservoir provide water storage and recreation opportunities.
• Anthropogenic lakes, such as Utah Lake, are managed for both recreation and water supply.

River Directions

• Utah's rivers primarily run north-south, such as the Green River, or east-west, like the Colorado River, reflecting the state's diverse geography.
• Examples include the Bear River flowing north into Idaho and the Virgin River running southwest towards Nevada.

Origin and Use of Lakes

• Many of Utah's lakes are man-made, created for irrigation and water supply purposes by state and federal agencies.
• Examples include Jordanelle Reservoir, managed by the Bureau of Reclamation for water storage and recreation.

Dams and Usage

• Utah's dams, like Flaming Gorge Dam on the Green River, serve multiple purposes including hydroelectric power generation, flood control, and irrigation.
• Reservoirs formed by these dams, such as Lake Powell, offer extensive recreational opportunities like boating and fishing.

Recreational Use

• Utah's rivers and lakes are popular for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and kayaking.
• Locations like the Green River are renowned for its trout fishing, while Lake Powell attracts visitors for houseboating and water sports.

Utah Rivers, Lakes, Streams, Reservoirs and Water Features