Bear Lake County Water Intelligence Brief

September 28, 2026 | Bear River Basin

Situation Summary

Bear River flows are falling across all monitored points in the basin this week, with the Pescadero gauge reading 256 cfs and the Border gauge at 57 cfs — conditions consistent with late-season recession as irrigation demand winds down. Deliveries from the Bear River system are entering the final weeks of the active irrigation season, and water managers should be coordinating end-of-season accounting now. Reservoir storage data and 7-day forecast details are available in the full brief.

Snowpack Conditions

All monitored SNOTEL stations in the Bear River Basin are reporting seasonal conditions normal for late September:

The 0.0" readings at six of seven reporting stations reflect the expected late-September baseline — median SWE for this date is also 0.0", so these stations are at normal seasonal condition, not below normal. The trace readings at Emigrant Summit (0.2") and Giveout (0.2") are within the range of early-season accumulation variability and do not signal meaningful stored water. Background context: the 2026 snowpack melted out 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date across the basin, driven by the anomalous March heat wave — a factor that shaped the entire summer supply picture. Data from Slug Creek Divide remains unavailable due to collection issues; users relying on that subbasin should contact NRCS directly.

Streamflow Conditions

All Bear River Basin gauges with current data show falling or stable flows consistent with late-season recession:

The mainstem Bear River shows a significant step-up in flow between the Border gauge (57 cfs) and Pescadero (256 cfs), reflecting tributary inputs and reservoir operations between those two points. The downstream Corinne gauge (226 cfs) is slightly lower than Pescadero, consistent with diversion activity along the lower reach. Blacksmith Fork and Logan River are holding stable, suggesting baseflow-dominated conditions on those tributaries. Little Bear River at 23 cfs continues to decline. The Malad River near Bear River City reading dates to May 15 and should not be used for current operational decisions — users dependent on Malad River data should contact USGS directly to determine gauge status.

Seasonal Guidance

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

Data Sources: SNOTEL data through September 27, 2026; USGS streamflow data through September 28, 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.