State water officials say the early accumulation has boosted the outlook for the region’s water supply.
The rainfall comes at the beginning of the water year, a 12-month cycle used by hydrologists to track water resources.
The Oct. 1 to Sept. 30 schedule captures the entire water process, from fall and winter precipitation to subsequent spring runoff.
Officials are most interested in the soil moisture levels, which are 10% higher than normal. Hydrologists say higher moisture levels are better when it comes to preparing for spring runoff. Dry soil will act as a sponge and absorb much of the snowmelt before it can run off into reservoirs.
In Utah, about 95% of the water supply comes from the snowpack. Reservoir storage helps preserve the water for use in dry summer months and drought years.
