The rising level of the Great Salt Lake: impacts and adjustments.

Abstract

The water level of the Great Salt Lake, Utah, U.S.A., has risen 12ft betwen 1982-86, causing widespread social impacts and flood mitigation schemes. Lake levels and climate fluctuations are examined and adverse impacts on life in the area are described. Structural adjustments to control the lake level are outlined and the crisis decision making processes are reviewed. No long term adjustments to control the fluctuating lake levels have so far been taken.