Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID UT_2024_Chikamoto

Assessing the Impacts of Persistent La Niña on Utah's Drought Risk to Strengthen Community Resilience

Institute: Utah
Year Established: 2024 Start Date: 2024-09-01 End Date: 2025-08-31
Total Federal Funds: $30,397 Total Non-Federal Funds: $30,400

Principal Investigators: Yoshimitsu Chikamoto

Project Summary: This research explores how specific climate patterns, known as La Niña events, influence drought conditions in Utah. Our objective is to forecast drought risks several seasons in advance, aiding communities in preparing for and managing water shortages, particularly during theanticipated dry winter of 2025-26. Although individual El Niño and La Niña events typically have a limited impact on Utah's climate, persistent La Niña events can lead to dry winters. Our focus is on assessing the potential impact of the upcoming La Niña on snow and river levels toestablish a drought warning system. We plan to analyze historical climate patterns, evaluate current conditions, and share our findings through articles and a user-friendly website. Additionally, we seek to engage with local communities and improve communication regardingdrought-related information.