Great Salt Lake nears record-low levels

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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- The receding Great Salt Lake is nearing record-low levels not seen in decades.

The lake's current elevation is about 4,194 feet above sea level. The average level is 4,200 feet.

Utah Geological Survey geologist Wallace Gwynn blames the lower levels, in part, on soil moisture. He thinks the region's dry soil sucked up much of the excess runoff before it got to the lake this year.

The lake is now about as low as it was in 2004. Gwynn says he expects the lake levels will rise once the current dry cycle ends.

Information from: Deseret News