The Great Salt Lake reached its lowest level in 31/2 years Friday: 4,208.7 feet above sea level in its main, or south, arm.

Its saltier north end is 9 or 10 inches lower because of brine pumping into the desert west of the lake.

Lake hydrographics show the south arm hasn't been as low since January 1985. Many flooded beaches and marshes are emerging from the lake's brine to the delight of saltwater bathers.

Dry, hot June weather helped lower the lake another three inches the past two weeks and 4.75 inches for all of the month, Geological Survey gauge charts showed.