Wildfire and Water Security: Post-Fire Erosion and Sedimentation Threaten Utah's Reservoirs

Authors

Quinn Olpin
Kendall Becker, Utah State UniversityFollow
Scott Hotaling, Utah State UniversityFollow
Aish Chandrasekaran, Utah State University
Patrick Belmont, Utah State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Factsheet

Publisher

Utah State University Extension

Publication Date

7-24-2025

First Page

1

Last Page

8

Abstract

As an arid state with limited water, Utah relies heavily on reservoir storage to maintain its water supply throughout the year. This vital water storage, however, is increasingly at risk due to contemporary wildfires. Wildfires pose a risk to water storage because after vegetation burns, erosion typically increases. Eroded soil can be carried by rivers and deposited into reservoirs where it accumulates as sediment, reduces water storage capacity, clogs dam outlets, and degrades water quality. Identifying which watersheds are most vital to maintaining Utah’s water supply, are most threatened by wildfires, and are most prone to high levels of post-fire erosion and sedimentation will improve understanding about how to safeguard the region’s water supply and prepare Utah’s headwaters for growing wildfire risk.

Recommended Citation

Olpin, Q., Becker, K., Hotaling, S., Chandrasekaran, A., & Belmont, P. (2025). Wildfire and water security: Post-fire erosion and sedimentation threaten Utah's reservoirs [Fact sheet]. Utah State University Extension.