Bear Lake County Water Intelligence Brief

October 19, 2026 | Bear River Basin

Situation Summary

Bear River flows through the basin are stable to falling this week, with the Border, WY gauge reading 54 cfs and the Pescadero, ID gauge at 36 cfs — conditions consistent with typical late-October recession as the irrigation season winds down. Irrigators should treat active-season deliveries as essentially concluded and shift planning attention toward next season's supply outlook and any remaining livestock water needs. Reservoir storage data and 7-day forecast details are available in the full brief.

Snowpack Conditions

All eight SNOTEL stations monitoring the Bear River Basin watersheds above Bear Lake County are reporting at or near seasonal baseline for mid-October:

For the vast majority of stations, zero SWE in mid-October reflects normal seasonal conditions — the median value for this date is also 0.0" at most locations, meaning the network is not signaling a below-normal snowpack at this point in the calendar. Emigrant Summit's trace reading (0.1" SWE, 1.0" depth) is the lone exception and represents an early-season dusting rather than an established snowpack. As context, the 2026 season was defined by a meltout that occurred 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date due to an anomalous March heat wave — that early-season event shaped summer streamflow trajectories and is now background history. Meaningful snowpack accumulation for next season's water supply is not expected to begin until November or later.

Streamflow Conditions

Seven USGS gauges provide coverage of the Bear River Basin relevant to Bear Lake County:

The upstream Bear River readings at Border and Pescadero are stable, indicating consistent inflow into the Bear Lake County reach for now. The falling trend at Corinne, Logan River, and Little Bear River reflects normal late-season recession as tributary contributions diminish heading into winter. The Malad River reading is outdated and should not be used for current planning — contact USGS or IDWR for updated data if needed. Overall, the basin is in an orderly late-season recession with no anomalous low-flow signals at the gauges currently reporting.

Seasonal Guidance

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

Data Sources: SNOTEL data through October 18, 2026; USGS streamflow data through October 19, 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.