You’re driving up Weber Canyon, the windows are down, and the smell of pine is finally hitting. You’re headed for Smith and Morehouse Reservoir. But here’s the thing: the weather up there doesn't care about your plans in Salt Lake or Ogden. Honestly, it’s a totally different world once you hit 7,800 feet.
Most people check the forecast for Oakley and think they’re good to go. Big mistake.
The High-Altitude Reality Check
Smith and Morehouse sits right on the western edge of the Uinta Mountains. That elevation—7,800 feet—is the primary driver of everything you’ll experience. While the valleys are sweltering in 95°F heat, the Smith and Morehouse weather is usually chilling in the comfortable 65-75°F range. It’s the ultimate escape, but it’s got a bit of a temper.
I’ve seen bluebird skies turn into a horizontal hailstorm in twenty minutes flat. You’ve gotta be ready for that. Basically, if you aren't packing a shell and a warm layer, even in July, you’re playing a risky game with the mountain gods.
Summer: The Sweet Spot (With a Catch)
From June to August, the days are perfect. We’re talking sunny skies and high temperatures that rarely break 80°F. It’s prime time for the boat ramp on the northwest shore or hitting the Smith and Morehouse Trail.
But watch out for the "Uinta Afternoon." Around 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM, the clouds tend to stack up over the peaks. These monsoonal flows can dump rain fast. The humidity is usually low—around 28% to 30%—so you don't feel the heat as much, but that also means you dehydrate without noticing. Drink more water than you think you need. Seriously.
- Daytime Highs: 65°F to 75°F
- Nighttime Lows: 40°F to 50°F
- Precipitation: Afternoon thunderstorms are common in late July.
The Winter Lockout
Right now, as of January 17, 2026, the reservoir is a frozen, snow-covered silent zone. The current conditions at the reservoir show a temperature of 44°F with a light northwest wind at 6 mph. It’s sunny today, but don't let that fool you. The overnight low is dropping to 21°F.
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The snowpack is the real story here. The SNOTEL sensors near the site are reporting about 12 inches of snow on the ground. That’s actually a bit low—only about 40% of the historical normal for mid-January. Usually, this place is buried. In a big year, the peak snowpack can hit 183 inches.
If you're planning to head up there for some "winter fun," remember the campground is closed. It usually doesn't open until early June because the "mud season" in the Uintas is no joke. You’ll get stuck. Your truck will get stuck. It’s just a mess.
10-Day Outlook for Smith and Morehouse Reservoir
If you're looking at the week ahead, the Smith and Morehouse weather is staying remarkably consistent and dry, which is weird for January.
- Sunday (Jan 18): Sunny and actually warmer. High of 50°F, low of 17°F.
- Monday (Jan 19): Still clear. High 43°F, low 14°F. Wear the heavy parka if you're out past sunset.
- The Shift: By next Friday and Saturday (Jan 23-24), we’re finally seeing a change. A 20-25% chance of snow showers is moving in. Highs will hover around 43°F.
What Most People Miss
People forget about the wind. Because the reservoir is tucked into a canyon, the wind can whip off the peaks and create a "wind tunnel" effect. Today it’s a gentle 6 mph, but it’s not uncommon to see gusts hitting 30 mph when a front moves through.
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Also, the UV index. At nearly 8,000 feet, the atmosphere is thinner. Even on a "mostly cloudy" day like the one forecasted for next Wednesday, you will get fried. Put on the sunscreen. Your future self will thank me.
Actionable Advice for Your Trip
If you're heading up, do these three things:
- Check the SNOTEL data: Don't just look at the temp; look at the "Snow Water Equivalent" if you’re hiking in spring. It tells you if the trail is a swamp or a path.
- The Three-Layer Rule: Synthetic base, fleece mid, waterproof shell. No cotton. Cotton is the enemy at high altitudes.
- Watch the Sky: If the clouds start looking like anvils over the high peaks to the east, get off the water. Lightning and high-mountain reservoirs are a bad mix.
The Uintas are rugged and beautiful, but they don't abide by valley rules. Respect the elevation, prep for the 30-degree temperature swings between day and night, and you'll have the best time of your life. Honestly, there’s nowhere better when the weather plays nice.