Bear Lake County, ID — Water Intelligence Brief

June 8, 2026 | Free Tier

Situation Summary

Snowpack across the Bear River Basin has melted out 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date, reflecting the anomalous March heat event that accelerated the 2026 snowmelt season region-wide. Streamflow is mixed, with the Bear River at Pescadero running at notable volume while downstream and tributary gauges show falling or low conditions. Reservoir storage data and 7-day forecast details are available in the full brief.

Snowpack Conditions

All SNOTEL stations serving the Bear River Basin report effectively zero snowpack as of June 7, 2026. Six of eight stations — Bear River RS, Franklin Basin, Garden City Summit, Slug Creek Divide, Tony Grove Lake, and USU Doc Daniel — show 0.0" SWE and 0.0" snow depth.

Two stations carry minor residual readings: Emigrant Summit at 0.1" SWE with 0.0" depth, and Giveout at 0.2" SWE with 1.0" depth. These trace amounts are not operationally significant for irrigation planning.

Where percent-of-median figures are provided, the picture is stark: Tony Grove Lake stands at 0% of its 0.4" median, and USU Doc Daniel at 0% of its 5.8" median. For all remaining stations showing 0.0" SWE without a percent-of-median figure, the basin-normal median for this calendar date is also 0.0" — meaning those stations are at seasonal normal *for today's date*, not below it. The critical signal for 2026 is not current SWE deficit but meltout timing: the snowpack that fed spring runoff melted out 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date, compressing the runoff window and accelerating the transition to base-flow conditions.

Streamflow Conditions

Streamflow across the Bear River Basin is variable as of June 8, 2026.

The Bear River at Pescadero, ID is the standout reading at 1,100 cfs and rising — a notably robust flow for this date and the primary mainstem reference point for Bear Lake County irrigators. Upstream, the Bear River at Border, WY reads 216 cfs and falling, suggesting the upstream pulse driving Pescadero is likely working through the system.

Downstream of Bear Lake, the Bear River near Corinne, UT registers 310 cfs and falling, reflecting regulated outflow conditions lower in the basin.

Tributary and secondary gauge conditions are more modest:

The falling trend on most tributaries and the upstream Border gauge is consistent with post-peak runoff recession following the early 2026 melt season. The rising Pescadero reading warrants monitoring; users diverting from the Bear River mainstem in Bear Lake County should track this gauge for short-term delivery planning.

Seasonal Guidance

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Data Sources: SNOTEL data through June 7, 2026; USGS streamflow data through June 8, 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.