Great Salt Lake is rising again, but it's going to need a 'really big' winter to avoid concerns

Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes KEY TAKEAWAYS

The Great Salt Lake's elevation rose after a rainy October, but its levels remain low.

Great Salt Lake Commissioner Brian Steed emphasizes the need for a "really big" winter.

Ongoing conservation efforts are crucial due to air quality concerns from low levels.

SALT LAKE CITY — The Great Salt Lake appears to have started its annual winter gains early after a rainy October, but the leader of the state agency tasked with its recovery says the lake is still much lower than it should be after another rough summer.

Its southern arm is currently at 4,191.3 feet elevation — a few inches above the lowest point recorded this year — while its northern arm remains at 4,190.8 feet elevation, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. That puts both arm