Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
GARDEN CITY — A low snowcap could mean a big drop in the water levels at Bear Lake this summer. Experts are predicting nearly six feet, which could mean a lot more beach and a little less water at the docks.
Garden City is a quiet town in April as it's not the bustling tourist town yet, but it's starting to gear up for the summer.
"The ice is gone, snow is about all gone," said Bill England, who owns several businesses in Garden City.
That means the season is over for winter enthusiasts, but England, who owns a gift shop and two restaurants, knows the summer visitors aren't far away.
"Nothing prettier than Bear Lake," England said. "They call it the ‘Caribbean of the Rockies', and it really is."
Nothing prettier than Bear Lake. They call it the 'Caribbean of the Rockies', and it really is.
–Bill England
But there could be less of a lake this summer than last.
"We'll probably lose five and a half," said Claudia Cottle.
Cottle, with Bear Lake Watch, says because of a low snowpack, and a lot of that water going to fill another nearby reservoir, the levels here will drop by several feet.
"Two years ago, with the water coming up 11 feet, we thought we were at the end of a drought cycle and now it looks like we're back in to the drought cycle," Cottle said.
It may seem surprising with the amount of snow Utah has had in the valleys but Cottle says that just hasn't been the case in the mountains.
Right now, the water levels are actually fairly high, but by the summer are expect to drop by about five feet. That adds up to about 50 more yards of beach in some areas. Other areas can see four times that much.
Two years ago, with the water coming up 11 feet, we thought we were at the end of a drought cycle and now it looks like we're back in to the drought cycle.
–Claudia Cottle
But more beach isn't necessarily a bad thing.
"If we get a little more beach, it gives more room for the general tourists that come up here to be able to enjoy Bear Lake," England said.
England says that also means more business.
But it can mean trouble for boat owners at some private docks. And Cottle says her biggest concern is whether it's an indication of things to come.
"These things generally go in cycles," Cottle said. "So when we start down, often it's a fast slide. And that's not good for the ecology of the lake."
But a little unpredictable weather could still change all that. For now, Cottle says farmers who use the water and hydrologists will be keeping a close watch as the summer heats up.
