Lake Levels of the Great Salt Lake - Oct/2010

The following information is courtesy of the Antelope Island Volunteers: The current (October 2010)elevation of the lake's surface is 4193.8' above sea level. It has dropped a foot in the last year. This is the lowest that it's been in the last 10 years. Yet, it is still 2' higher than it's all time lowest elevation(4,191') recorded in 1963.
The lake has receded so much that the island itself, along with Fremont Island, Egg Island (just below the Visitor Center), and White Rock are all accessible on dry land.
This is the first time in memory that there are no boats in the marina. And there are only 2 slips in the marina that have more than 2' of water.
Since recording began in 1850, the lake's highest level was reached in 1866 and 1984 when the lake hit 4,212' above sea level. That means it rose 21' in the 21 years between it's low point (1963) and high point (1984). And it's dropped 19 feet in the last 26 years.
Because the lake is so shallow, when the water level changes, so does the surface area. In fact, it increased by 46% between 1963 and 1984 when it went from 1,686 square miles to 2,456 square miles.
The lake is dynamic, and it's volume fluctuates from year to year, and season to season. It's entirely possible that it may change again next year. Stay tuned to see what happens!