Water Intelligence Brief

Box Elder County, UT — Bear River Basin

*September 21, 2026*

Situation Summary

Bear River flows near Corinne are running at 709 cfs and rising, providing a stronger late-season supply picture than many irrigators may have anticipated heading into the final weeks of the irrigation season. Across the basin, most gauges are holding steady or trending upward, suggesting continued delivery reliability for canal company diversions through the near-term close of the irrigation season. Reservoir storage data and 7-day forecast details are available in the full brief.

Snowpack Conditions

All SNOTEL stations in the Bear River Basin are reporting at or near zero snow water equivalent, which is normal for this point in the calendar — the historical median SWE for late September is also effectively 0.0" at these elevations. No stations are reporting below-normal conditions relative to the seasonal date.

Station readings as of September 20, 2026:

For context, the 2026 season was defined by an anomalous March heat wave that drove snowpack meltout 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date across the Bear River Basin — a supply timing event that shaped early-season delivery conditions. By this point in September, that story has fully resolved into current streamflow conditions. The Slug Creek Divide data gap should be noted; users relying on that station for watershed monitoring should contact the NRCS Utah Snow Survey office for status.

Streamflow Conditions

Bear River Basin streamflows are broadly stable to rising as of this reporting period, with the mainstem near Corinne carrying the strongest volume in the system.

Bear River Near Corinne, UT: 709 cfs, rising (09/20)

This is the primary delivery gauge for Box Elder County agricultural users. A rising trend at 709 cfs indicates meaningful late-season flow availability for direct diversions by Bear River Canal Company and other lower-basin canal operations.

Bear River at Pescadero, ID: 379 cfs, falling (09/21)

Upstream inflow from Idaho is falling, which warrants monitoring — if this declining trend continues and propagates downstream, it could moderate or reverse the rising signal at Corinne in the coming days.

Bear River at Border, WY: 71 cfs, rising (09/21)

Upper watershed contributions are rising modestly, providing a positive upstream signal for the broader system.

Logan River Above State Dam, Near Logan, UT: 76 cfs, rising (09/21)

The Logan River is rising, a favorable indicator for Cache Valley tributaries feeding into the lower Bear River system.

Little Bear River at Paradise, UT: 30 cfs, rising (09/21)

A secondary tributary showing a rising trend, consistent with the broader basin pattern.

Blacksmith Fork Above Upper and Lower Canal Dam Nr Hyrum, UT: 47 cfs, stable (09/20)

Holding steady — no deterioration in this tributary.

Malad River Near Bear River City, UT: 6 cfs (last reading 05/15)

This gauge reading is significantly out of date, last recorded May 15. Users dependent on Malad River deliveries should contact the Utah Division of Water Resources or the relevant canal company directly for current conditions — this data gap should not be used for planning purposes.

Seasonal Guidance

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Data Sources: SNOTEL data through September 20, 2026; USGS streamflow data through September 21, 2026

Data Current As Of: Utah Division of Water Rights

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, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, and Utah Division of Water Rights for regulatory decisions and water rights administration.