This year's heavier precipitation will offer a mixed blessing for outdoor enthusiasts planning to get out for camping, fishing or boating on Memorial Day weekend, which traditionally kicks off the summer travel season.
On the positive side, there should be plenty of water for boaters and river runners this season.
"If precipitation continues and residents use water wisely, we should have enough water to keep reservoirs at adequate water levels throughout the summer," said Chris Haller, assistant boating program manager for State Parks and Recreation. "Boaters should take advantage of the many reservoirs close along the Wasatch Front and look forward to a good boating season."
Those who want to swim or water ski, especially in the northern part of the state, could find cool water temperatures; the warmest water is expected to be at Utah Lake, Quail Creek, Lake Powell, Sand Hollow and Gunlock. Water temperatures at most northern Utah reservoirs will be lucky to reach 50 degrees by the holiday weekend.
Snow in the high country has U.S. Forest Service recreation managers and Utah Department of Transportation workers scrambling to get some of the more popular high country camping areas and roads open for the big weekend.
"The target is to have all the roads open by Memorial Day weekend and we're starting to work on these roads," said UDOT's Adan Carillo. "We will send out press releases to let people know as soon as they are open. It depends on how much snow is up there. We have even been clearing snow in June while it is still snowing."
Utah Highway 150 -- the Mirror Lake Highway -- is always a challenge to get open by summer's first big holiday weekend. And even if road workers do get it plowed, many campgrounds may not open until later in the summer.
Kathy Jo Pollock, public affairs specialist for the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, said some campground openings in northern Utah forests might be delayed because of snow depth. She urged campers to check with individual ranger districts before heading out. Some loops at Strawberry, Soldier Creek, Flaming Gorge and Pineview are already open.
"Most of the major areas will be open," she said. "But on Memorial Day, you might want to take your own water. There is no guarantee. Check before you go."
Utah State Parks spokesperson Hollie Brown said that agency expects full campgrounds and busy boat ramps over the holiday. Campsites at state parks can be reserved two days before arrival. Spots are still available at Antelope Island, Bear Lake, Deer Creek, Jordanelle, Red Fleet, Scofield, Starvation, Steinaker, Utah Lake, Wasatch Mountain, Willard Bay and Yuba Reservoir. To make reservations, call 801-322-3770 or 800-322-3770.
A number of towns and cities across Utah will hold special events over Memorial Day weekend. These include the Scandinavian Heritage Festival in Ephraim; Days of Camelot in Hurricane; the Green River Friendship Cruise; Day Out with Thomas the Tank Engine in Heber City; Memorial Day Weekend Bonfire and Smores in Brian Head; Sand Drags and a Demolition Derby in Delta; a heritage festival in Escalante; Heritage Day in Spring City; a cowboy poetry and music gathering in Torrey and Syracuse; an arts festival in Moab; and Baby Animal Days at This Is the Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake City. For details, visit www.Utah.com.
If you're planning on visiting areas at one of Utah's state parks or national forests, it's a good idea to check conditions or make reservations before heading out. Some areas may be closed due to snow.
To make reservations for campsites at Utah State parks, call 801-322-3770 or 800-322-3770.
For information about conditions at Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, visit www.fs.fed.us/r4/uwc.
