Bear Lake County, ID — Water Intelligence Brief

July 13, 2026 | Bear River Basin

Situation Summary

Bear Lake County enters mid-July with snowpack fully melted across all monitored SNOTEL stations — consistent with a 2026 season characterized by meltout occurring 4–6 weeks ahead of historical median dates. Streamflow across the Bear River system reflects a post-peak runoff regime, with key gauges falling or holding stable at mid-summer levels. Reservoir storage data, 7-day forecast details, and operational recommendations for Bear Lake and Montpelier Reservoir are available in the full brief.

Snowpack Conditions

All eight SNOTEL stations in and around the Bear River Basin are reporting at or near zero snow water equivalent (SWE) as of July 12, 2026 — a normal condition for this calendar date, as median SWE at these stations is also 0.0" by mid-July.

| Station | SWE | Snow Depth |

|---|---|---|

| Bear River RS | 0.0" | 0.0" |

| Emigrant Summit | 0.2" | 0.0" |

| Franklin Basin | 0.6" | 1.0" |

| Garden City Summit | 0.0" | 0.0" |

| Giveout | N/A | 0.0" |

| Slug Creek Divide | 0.0" | 1.0" |

| Tony Grove Lake | 0.0" | 2.0" |

| USU Doc Daniel | 0.0" | 3.0" |

The notable 2026 story is not today's readings — it is timing. Across the broader Mountain West, an anomalous March heat wave drove snowpack meltout 4–6 weeks earlier than the historical median meltout date at most stations. That early meltout compressed the runoff season and reduced the window for reservoir and soil recharge relative to a normal year. Franklin Basin's residual 0.6" SWE and several stations showing trace snow depth at elevation are minimal remnants with no material irrigation supply significance. Streamflow is now driven by groundwater contribution and any summer precipitation rather than ongoing snowmelt.

Streamflow Conditions

Bear River Basin streamflow reflects a system transitioning fully into base-flow season. Conditions vary significantly by gauge location, reflecting both natural drainage patterns and upstream storage operations.

Bear River at Border, WY — 81 cfs, falling (July 13). This upper-basin gauge represents inflows entering Idaho from Wyoming and provides an early signal on upstream supply availability. The falling trend at this point in July is consistent with post-runoff base-flow conditions.

Bear River at Pescadero, ID — 1,270 cfs, stable (July 13). This is the dominant mid-basin gauge and the most directly relevant reading for Bear Lake County irrigators. The 1,270 cfs stable reading reflects active management of Bear Lake storage operations — releases from Bear Lake (PacifiCorp / Bear River Commission) contribute substantially to flows at this location. The stable trend is a positive short-term signal, though it reflects operational decisions rather than natural hydrology alone.

Bear River near Corinne, UT — 185 cfs, falling (July 13). Downstream of Bear Lake and the primary Utah delivery reach, this gauge shows a falling trend consistent with seasonal patterns. The divergence between Pescadero (1,270 cfs) and Corinne (185 cfs) reflects significant upstream diversions and Bear Lake recharge operations within the system.

Blacksmith Fork above Upper and Lower Canal Companies' Dam, near Hyrum, UT — 54 cfs, stable (July 13). A tributary of the Bear River system in Cache Valley; stable summer base-flow at this level is typical for mid-July.

Little Bear River at Paradise, UT — 15 cfs, stable (July 13). A smaller Bear River tributary; stable flow at a modest level for this date.

Logan River above State Dam, near Logan, UT — 92 cfs, falling (July 13). Another northern Utah tributary feeding the Bear River; the falling trend reflects ongoing seasonal recession following early meltout.

Malad River near Bear River City, UT — 6 cfs (data as of May 15; current reading unavailable). This lower-basin tributary gauge has a data gap — the most recent reading is from over two months ago and should not be treated as current. Bear Lake County users relying on downstream Bear River system conditions should seek updated information directly from USGS or their water district.

The Pescadero gauge reading of 1,270 cfs stable is the headline number for Bear Lake County agricultural users — it signals that managed flows into the county's primary delivery reach remain substantial for now, supported by Bear Lake storage operations.

Seasonal Guidance

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

Data Sources: SNOTEL data through July 12, 2026; USGS streamflow data through July 13, 2026

Data Current As Of: July 13, 2026. Malad River near Bear River City gauge reflects a May 15, 2026 reading — treat as a data gap; do not use for current planning.

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. Idaho Department of Water Resources Eastern Regional Office, Pocatello: (208) 525-7161.