Great Salt Lake Elevations
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has been collecting water-surface-elevation data from Great Salt Lake since 1875 and continuously since October 1902. By combining USGS data with other data sources, a water-surface elevation record dating back to 1847 is associated with USGS Station 10010000, a gage in the Saltair Boat Harbor, at the southern end of the lake.
The Union Pacific Railroad causeway completed in 1959, essentially divides the lake into two parts. The water-surface elevation of the south part of the lake is usually higher than that of the north part because most of the inflow to the lake is in the south part. The north part of the lake has been monitored since April 1966 via USGS Station 10010100, located northwest of Saline, Utah.
Go to elevation gages from links below to see current conditions.
Saltair Boat Harbor Elevation Gage (10010000)
South Side of Causeway Elevation Gage (10010024)
North Arm Elevation Gage near Saline, Utah (10010100)
Landsat Images
Dramatic changes in elevation and area of the south arm are observed in these 1986 and 2022 images at historic high and low levels. Use the slider to see more of either.
Great Salt Lake Bathymetry and Surface Area-Volume Estimates
USGS conducted bathymetric surveys of the north and south parts of Great Salt Lake in the early 2000’s. Bathymetric maps and area-volume tables associated with this effort were published and are available via the following links.
Bathymetry of North Arm
Area and Volume of the North Arm
Bathymetry of South Arm
Area and Volume of South Arm
Utah State University Professor, David Tarboton, has since published a comprehensive Great Salt Lake bathymetry data set that expands the areal coverage of the USGS bathymetry and provides the best estimate of surface area and volume across the entire range of Great Salt Lake water surface elevations.
- Overview
Great Salt Lake Elevations
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has been collecting water-surface-elevation data from Great Salt Lake since 1875 and continuously since October 1902. By combining USGS data with other data sources, a water-surface elevation record dating back to 1847 is associated with USGS Station 10010000, a gage in the Saltair Boat Harbor, at the southern end of the lake.
The Union Pacific Railroad causeway completed in 1959, essentially divides the lake into two parts. The water-surface elevation of the south part of the lake is usually higher than that of the north part because most of the inflow to the lake is in the south part. The north part of the lake has been monitored since April 1966 via USGS Station 10010100, located northwest of Saline, Utah.
Go to elevation gages from links below to see current conditions.
Saltair Boat Harbor Elevation Gage (10010000)Saltair Boat Harbor Elevation Gage (10010000)South Side of Causeway Elevation Gage (10010024)South Side of Causeway Elevation Gage (10010024)North Arm Elevation Gage near Saline, Utah (10010100)North Arm Elevation Gage near Saline, Utah (10010100)Landsat Images
Dramatic changes in elevation and area of the south arm are observed in these 1986 and 2022 images at historic high and low levels. Use the slider to see more of either.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.In 1986, when the lake was at a record high, it covered approximately 2,300 square miles. In 2022, it covers less than 1,000 square miles. Learn more about the Landsat mission at https://www.usgs.gov/landsat-missions/ Great Salt Lake Bathymetry and Surface Area-Volume Estimates
USGS conducted bathymetric surveys of the north and south parts of Great Salt Lake in the early 2000’s. Bathymetric maps and area-volume tables associated with this effort were published and are available via the following links.
Bathymetry of North ArmBathymetry of North ArmArea and Volume of the North ArmArea and Volume of the North ArmBathymetry of South ArmBathymetry of South ArmArea and Volume of South ArmArea and Volume of South ArmUtah State University Professor, David Tarboton, has since published a comprehensive Great Salt Lake bathymetry data set that expands the areal coverage of the USGS bathymetry and provides the best estimate of surface area and volume across the entire range of Great Salt Lake water surface elevations.
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