As the Water Recedes, Utah's Lost Treasures Emerge

With low reservoir levels revealing everything from old tree stumps to actual grenades, Utahns are discovering that our lakes have apparently been serving as giant underwater junk drawers for decades.

After two brothers found a rusted grenade at Pineview Reservoir, it got us wondering: what else might be hiding down there?

1. The Original Dirty Dr. Pepper

Archaeologists uncover a 64-ounce soda cup from 1997. Inside? The first dirty Dr. Pepper. Scientists determine it's the oldest surviving Swig order and immediately place it under state protection.

2. A BYU-Utah Peace Treaty

Buried beneath 20 feet of silt lies an ancient document where fans of both schools agreed to be nice to each other. Experts quickly declare it a forgery.

3. Fifteen Missing Orange Construction Barrels

Bob's name is finally cleared. For years this maligned road construction worker had been convicted of stealing them for home decor, but it turns out his story was true the whole time, they must have blown into the lake.

4. Brine Shrimp's Luxury Vacation Home

Deep in the mud sits a tiny brine shrimp condo complex complete with miniature paddleboards and a "No Seagulls Allowed" sign. Property values are described as "salty but stable."

a puddle of water with a plant sticking out of it

5. An Ancient Spring of Mystery Material

It's actually just a spring that feeds the lake, but the extended drought has us forgetting what this strange material called water is and how it could be flowing without a pump.

6. A Pioneer's "Shortcut" Map

The faded map promises a faster route to Utah. The route shows that there is a simpler road to the great state, but as the miles are counted like most short cuts it becomes clear that easier does not mean shorter.

7. The Missing Jazz Championship Trophy

Fans celebrate briefly, happily accepting that they must have forgot that the Jazz won it all... then they read the inscription: "Participation Award, 1983 Softball League." Dang, we came so close yet again.

Read More: Where To See Kokanee Salmon Spawn In Utah This Fall

At this rate, Utah reservoirs may be our most exciting museums. Just maybe poke strange discoveries with a stick before picking them up.