Water Intelligence Brief

Bear Lake County, ID | July 20, 2026

Situation Summary

Bear Lake County enters mid-July with snowpack completely melted out across all monitored SNOTEL stations — a condition that arrived 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date, compressing the spring runoff window and accelerating the transition to late-season irrigation reliance on stored water and streamflow. Streamflow across the Bear River Basin reflects this early-melt trajectory, with key gauges showing falling or stable conditions consistent with the post-runoff summer period. Reservoir storage data, 7-day forecast details, and operational risk analysis are available in the full brief.

Snowpack Conditions

All eight SNOTEL stations monitored in the Bear River Basin are reporting zero snow water equivalent (SWE) as of July 19, 2026 — a condition that is normal for this calendar date, as median SWE values at these elevations are also 0.0" by mid-July. The meaningful signal is not today's reading, but timing: these stations melted out 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date, driven by an anomalous March heat wave across the Mountain West.

Station readings (July 19, 2026):

Emigrant Summit's residual 0.2" SWE reading is the lone anomaly across the network and is not operationally significant at this stage of the season. With snowpack fully depleted, no additional snowmelt contribution to streamflow or storage should be anticipated for the remainder of the irrigation season. Supply for the weeks ahead depends entirely on existing reservoir carryover and current streamflow conditions.

Streamflow Conditions

Bear River Basin streamflows present a mixed picture as of July 20, 2026, with the most locally relevant gauges showing declining trends consistent with post-runoff, mid-summer conditions.

Gauge readings (July 20, 2026):

The Bear River at Pescadero, ID reading of 1,390 cfs stable is notably elevated relative to other system gauges and likely reflects reservoir regulation and operational releases within the Bear Lake system — a dynamic that the full brief addresses in detail. The Bear River at Border, WY at 68 cfs falling indicates declining natural inflow entering the system from the upper watershed. The Bear River near Corinne, UT at 158 cfs falling reflects continued downstream attenuation. Tributary flows on the Blacksmith Fork, Little Bear River, and Logan River are holding stable at modest levels typical of mid-July. The Malad River near Bear River City reading of 6 cfs is stale (May 15 data) and should not be used for current operational planning. Bear Lake County irrigators drawing from the Bear River mainstem or its tributaries should monitor the falling trend at the Border and Corinne gauges as an indicator of tightening natural inflow.

Seasonal Guidance

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

Data Sources: SNOTEL data through July 19, 2026; USGS streamflow data through July 20, 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.