Water Intelligence Brief

Bear Lake County, ID

August 3, 2026

Bear Lake County Water Intelligence Brief

August 3, 2026 | Bear River Basin

Situation Summary

Bear Lake County enters August with snowpack fully melted out across all monitored SNOTEL stations — a condition normal for this calendar date, though this year's meltout occurred 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date, compressing the spring runoff season significantly. Streamflow on the Bear River system shows a mixed picture, with the Pescadero gauge running at substantial volume while downstream readings reflect seasonal decline. Reservoir storage data, 7-day forecast details, and depletion rate analysis are available in the full brief.

Snowpack Conditions

All eight SNOTEL stations monitored in the Bear River Basin are reporting at or near zero snow water equivalent (SWE) and zero snow depth as of August 2, 2026 — consistent with normal late-summer conditions for this point in the calendar year:

  • Bear River RS: SWE 0.0", Depth 0.0"
  • Emigrant Summit: SWE 0.1", Depth 0.0"
  • Franklin Basin: SWE 0.0", Depth 0.0"
  • Garden City Summit: SWE 0.0", Depth 0.0"
  • Giveout: SWE N/A, Depth 0.0"
  • Slug Creek Divide: SWE 0.0", Depth 0.0"
  • Tony Grove Lake: SWE 0.0", Depth 0.0"
  • USU Doc Daniel: SWE 0.0", Depth 0.0"

    • No percent-of-median figures are reported for any station, which is expected — the historical median SWE for early August is also 0.0" at these elevations, meaning current readings reflect normal seasonal conditions rather than a deficit. The meaningful signal for 2026 is timing: basin snowpack melted out 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date, driven by the anomalous March heat wave. That early meltout accelerated spring runoff and reduced the duration of snowmelt-supported streamflow into summer — a supply dynamic that now plays out through reservoir carry-over and late-season streamflow conditions rather than remaining snowpack.

    Streamflow Conditions

    Seven USGS gauges across the Bear River Basin provide the current streamflow picture for Bear Lake County and the broader watershed:

  • Bear River at Border, WY: 59 cfs (stable) — Upper basin contribution entering Idaho is low and holding steady, reflecting the tail end of the snowmelt-supported runoff season.
  • Bear River at Pescadero, ID: 1,050 cfs (falling) — The primary mid-basin reference point for Bear Lake County shows substantial flow, though the falling trend warrants monitoring as the irrigation season advances into August.
  • Bear River near Corinne, UT: 247 cfs (falling) — Downstream flows into Utah are considerably lower and declining, consistent with diversions and consumptive use along the corridor.
  • Blacksmith Fork ab Up and L Co.'s Dam nr Hyrum, UT: 52 cfs (stable) — A tributary reading showing steady conditions.
  • Little Bear River at Paradise, UT: 15 cfs (falling) as of August 1 — Low tributary flow reflecting seasonal late-summer conditions.
  • Logan River above State Dam, near Logan, UT: 72 cfs (falling) as of August 1 — Another tributary in declining trend typical for this period.
  • Malad River near Bear River City, UT: 6 cfs — Dated reading (May 15); this gauge is not current and should not be used for operational planning until updated data is available.

    • The overall streamflow pattern is consistent with a late-summer system operating without meaningful snowmelt input. The Pescadero reading remains the most operationally relevant gauge for Bear Lake County users, and its falling trend should be tracked closely through August as peak irrigation demand continues.

    Seasonal Guidance

  • Contact the Idaho Department of Water Resources Eastern Regional Office (Pocatello, (208) 525-7161) to check current Bear River water right administration status and any active delivery curtailments.
  • Check with PacifiCorp and the Bear River Commission for current Bear Lake storage operations and release scheduling relevant to downstream irrigation users.
  • Contact your local irrigation district or canal company to confirm current delivery schedules and any adjustments planned for the remainder of the irrigation season.
  • Monitor USGS National Water Information System (waterdata.usgs.gov) for updated readings at Bear River at Pescadero and other Bear River Basin gauges as flows continue their seasonal decline.

    • Subscribe for the full brief including reservoir storage, weather forecasts, depletion analysis, and detailed operational recommendations.

    Data Sources: SNOTEL data through August 2, 2026; USGS streamflow data through August 3, 2026

    Data Current As Of: Idaho Department of Water Resources (Eastern Regional Office in Pocatello, (208) 525-7161, for Bear River basin counties)

    Important Disclaimers: This brief provides automated analysis for informational purposes only. Specific numerical claims have not been independently verified. Consult official sources including your local water district, PacifiCorp/Bear River Commission (for Bear Lake storage operations) and local irrigation districts for regulatory decisions and water rights administration.

    Data & Disclaimers

    Sources: NRCS SNOTEL network · USGS National Water Information System · National Weather Service

    This brief provides automated analysis for informational purposes only. Consult official sources including your local water district and state Division of Water Rights for regulatory decisions. This document does not constitute legal, regulatory, or engineering advice.

    Previous Issues

    Bear Lake County Brief — July 27, 2026Bear Lake County Brief — July 20, 2026Bear Lake County Brief — July 13, 2026Bear Lake County Brief — July 6, 2026Bear Lake County Brief — June 29, 2026Bear Lake County Brief — June 22, 2026Bear Lake County Brief — June 15, 2026Bear Lake County Brief — June 8, 2026Bear Lake County Brief — June 1, 2026Bear Lake County Brief — May 26, 2026Bear Lake County Brief — May 15, 2026Bear Lake County Brief — April 28, 2026

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