Water Intelligence Brief · Archive

Box Elder County, UT

August 10, 2026

Box Elder County, UT — Water Intelligence Brief

August 10, 2026 | Bear River Basin | Free-Tier Edition

Situation Summary

The Bear River Basin snowpack has fully melted out across all monitored SNOTEL stations — consistent with normal August conditions, though notably this meltout occurred 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date following an anomalous March heat wave. Streamflows in the Bear River system are generally stable to falling at this point in the irrigation season, reflecting normal late-summer drawdown. Reservoir storage data and 7-day forecast details are available in the full brief.

Snowpack Conditions

All eight SNOTEL stations in the Bear River Basin are reporting zero or negligible snow water equivalent (SWE) as of August 9, 2026 — consistent with expected late-summer conditions at these elevations:

  • Bear River RS: SWE 0.0", Snow Depth 0.0"
  • Emigrant Summit: SWE 0.2", Snow Depth 0.0"
  • Franklin Basin: SWE 0.0", Snow Depth 1.0"
  • Garden City Summit: SWE 0.0", Snow Depth 0.0"
  • Giveout: SWE not available, Snow Depth 0.0"
  • Slug Creek Divide: SWE 0.0", Snow Depth 0.0"
  • Tony Grove Lake: SWE 0.0", Snow Depth 0.0"
  • USU Doc Daniel: SWE 0.0", Snow Depth 0.0"

    • The median SWE for this date is also 0.0" at these stations, meaning current readings reflect normal seasonal conditions rather than a below-normal snowpack signal. The operationally significant story for 2026 is meltout timing: the basin melted out 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date, meaning the spring pulse that typically sustains late-season streamflows and reservoir carryover was compressed into an earlier window. No additional snowmelt contribution to streamflows should be expected through the remainder of the irrigation season.

    Streamflow Conditions

    Seven USGS gauges are active across the Bear River Basin as of August 10, 2026. Conditions reflect typical late-season patterns, with several gauges on a falling trend:

  • Bear River at Border, WY: 59 cfs (stable) — Upper basin inflow entering the system from Wyoming remains modest and steady.
  • Bear River at Pescadero, ID: 1,030 cfs (stable) — The largest reading in the network reflects mid-basin flows through Idaho, likely influenced by Bear Lake releases and tributary contributions. This is the primary upstream delivery signal for downstream Utah users.
  • Bear River near Corinne, UT: 150 cfs (falling) — The key in-county indicator for Box Elder County irrigators. Falling conditions at this gauge merit close attention as agricultural demand remains active through August.
  • Blacksmith Fork above Upper and Lower Canal Company's Dam near Hyrum, UT: 46 cfs (stable) — A Cache County tributary contributing to the broader Bear River system; stable at this reading.
  • Little Bear River at Paradise, UT: 15 cfs (falling) — Last recorded August 6; falling trend noted.
  • Logan River above State Dam, near Logan, UT: 72 cfs (falling) — Last recorded August 6; falling trend in this Cache County tributary is consistent with late-season drawdown.
  • Malad River near Bear River City, UT: 6 cfs — Last recorded May 15; this gauge has a significant data gap and should not be treated as a current operational indicator without updated readings.

    • The falling trend at Corinne is the most directly actionable signal for Box Elder County agricultural users. With no additional snowmelt input expected and late-season demand continuing, further flow decline is the expected trajectory. The large differential between Pescadero (1,030 cfs) and Corinne (150 cfs) reflects significant upstream diversions and consumptive use before water reaches Box Elder County — a pattern that typically intensifies through late summer.

    Seasonal Guidance

  • Contact the Bear River Canal Company directly to confirm current delivery schedules and any anticipated curtailment or rotation notices affecting Box Elder County users.
  • Check with the Utah Division of Water Rights (waterrights.utah.gov) to verify your water right priority date and confirm current administrative conditions on the Bear River system.
  • Monitor the USGS National Water Information System (waterdata.usgs.gov) for updated readings at the Bear River near Corinne gauge, as the falling trend is the primary real-time supply signal for in-county irrigators.
  • Contact the Bear River Water Conservancy District for current basin-wide operational context and any formal communications regarding late-season supply conditions.

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

    Data Sources: SNOTEL data through August 9, 2026; USGS streamflow data through August 10, 2026

    Data Current As Of: See individual station dates noted above; Malad River gauge last recorded May 15, 2026.

    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, Bear River Canal Company, Utah Division of Water Rights, and Utah Division of Water Resources for regulatory decisions and water rights administration. Streamflow conditions can change rapidly — verify current readings before making operational decisions.

    Data & Disclaimers

    Sources: NRCS SNOTEL network · USGS National Water Information System · National Weather Service

    This brief provides automated analysis for informational purposes only. Consult official sources including your local water district and state Division of Water Rights for regulatory decisions. This document does not constitute legal, regulatory, or engineering advice.

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    Box Elder County UT Water Report — August 10, 2026 | Wai AI