How Cloud Seeding Helps Utah’s Snowpack—and What You Can Do

Utah’s snowpack is shrinking. Since the 1980s, the amount of snow we keep in the mountains has dropped by about 16%. That matters because snow is our biggest natural reservoir—it melts through spring and summer, filling rivers, lakes, and reservoirs that supply our homes, farms, and recreation.

Even though Utah sometimes gets heavy rainstorms, our weather patterns are shifting. We’re seeing hotter, drier summers and fewer steady storms. Much of the precipitation that used to fall as snow now falls as rain, which runs off quickly instead of being stored for later use.

“Snow is the water supply for most of Utah,” says Scott Hotaling, USU Extension watershed specialist. “Salt Lake City gets about 95% of its water from seasonal snow.”

As Utah’s population grows and the climate warms, finding ways to make the most of every storm matters more than ever. One effective tool that is already being used is cloud seeding.

What is cloud seeding?

Cloud seeding sounds high-tech, but it’s actually simple and safe. It doesn’t create clouds or “make” storms, as some would have you believe. It just helps existing clouds produce more snow.

Here’s how it works:

• Planes or ground-based machines release tiny particles, often silver iodide, into storm clouds.
• Water in the clouds freezes around these particles, forming snowflakes.
• The extra snowflakes fall to the ground, increasing the snowpack by about 3–10%.

This process has been safely used for decades. In Utah, it’s managed by the Division of Water Resources under strict environmental rules. Scientists regularly test mountain water and soil, and the amount of silver iodide used is far below any level that could affect people, pets, fish, or wildlife.

“Cloud seeding is one of the few tools we have that can actually add more water to the system,” Hotaling says. “It’s not a complete solution, but every little bit helps.” 

You can read more about cloud seeding in his new factsheet.

How we can all help conserve water:

While cloud seeding adds snow, every Utahn can help conserve the water we already have:

• Water wisely. Avoid watering during the heat of the day or before rain.
• Fix leaks. A running toilet or broken sprinkler can waste hundreds of gallons a month.
• Try drip irrigation. It targets roots directly and reduces evaporation.
• Speak up. If city or HOA sprinklers are overwatering, share your concerns respectfully.
• Plant smart. Utah offers rebates for replacing turf with native or water-wise plants.

Even renters can save water indoors and support water-efficient landscaping where they live.

“Agriculture uses the most water in Utah, but residential use still adds up,” says Hotaling. “If we’re asking farmers to conserve, we should do our part too. Everyone wants the same thing—a healthy, sustainable water supply for Utah.”

Learn about how you can save water. 

The Great Salt Lake Connection

The Great Salt Lake also shapes Utah’s climate. When the lake has enough water, it creates its own lake-effect snow, adding moisture to the air and increasing snowfall along the Wasatch Front.

By saving water and keeping more flowing into the lake, we help create a natural cycle that gives back—more water in the lake means more snow in the mountains.

“Utah is truly “the tip of the proverbial spear” in tackling mountain climate challenges, Hotaling says. “By leading with smart water management, innovation, and community effort, we can show how even small, local actions make a big difference.”

When we take care of our water, Utah takes care of us right back.