Box Elder County Water Intelligence Brief

Bear River Basin | October 26, 2026

Situation Summary

Bear River flows near Corinne are running at 883 cfs and rising, providing strong late-October supply conditions for Box Elder agricultural users still managing fall irrigation or livestock water needs. Across the basin, all monitored gauges are trending upward, signaling continued active streamflow as the irrigation season winds down. Reservoir storage data, 7-day forecast details, and delivery outlook analysis are available in the full brief.

Snowpack Conditions

Mountain snowpack across the Bear River Basin remains at early-season trace levels, consistent with normal conditions for late October. No percent-of-median comparisons are available for most stations because median SWE at this date is also near zero — these readings reflect normal seasonal timing, not anomalous deficits.

| Station | SWE | Snow Depth |

|---|---|---|

| Bear River RS | 0.1" | 1.0" |

| Emigrant Summit | 0.1" | 0.0" |

| Franklin Basin | 0.0" | 2.0" |

| Garden City Summit | 0.0" | 0.0" |

| Giveout | 0.0" | 0.0" |

| Slug Creek Divide | 0.0" | 0.0" |

| USU Doc Daniel | 0.0" (0% of 0.9" median) | 0.0" |

| Tony Grove Lake | Data collection issues | — |

USU Doc Daniel is the one station showing a percent-of-median figure — 0% of a 0.9" median — indicating it is technically below its historical norm for this date, though the absolute deficit remains small at this early point in the accumulation season. Tony Grove Lake is offline and not contributing data. Background context: the 2026 season was defined by meltout occurring 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date, driven by an anomalous spring heat event. That early meltout is a closed chapter; the relevant question now is how the 2026–27 accumulation season develops from here.

Streamflow Conditions

Bear River Basin gauges are broadly rising, reflecting active late-October hydrology across the watershed.

Bear River near Corinne, UT — 883 cfs, rising. This is the primary delivery gauge for Box Elder County agricultural diversions and reflects the integrated flows of the upper and middle Bear River system arriving at the valley floor.

Logan River above State Dam, near Logan, UT — 92 cfs, rising. A key tributary contributor to the lower Bear River system.

Blacksmith Fork above Upper and Lower Co.'s Dam near Hyrum, UT — 52 cfs, stable. Stable conditions on this Cache County tributary suggest consistent baseflow input to the lower system.

Little Bear River at Paradise, UT — 40 cfs, rising. Rising conditions on this tributary are consistent with the broader basin trend.

Bear River at Border, WY — 78 cfs, rising. Upper basin inflow from Wyoming is trending upward, supporting continued downstream delivery volumes.

Bear River at Pescadero, ID — 37 cfs, rising. Mid-basin flow also rising, consistent with upper watershed conditions.

Malad River near Bear River City, UT — 6 cfs. Note: this reading is dated May 15 and should be treated with caution — current conditions may differ. Contact USGS or your local water district for verified current Malad River status.

Overall, the streamflow picture across the Bear River Basin is favorable for late October, with the mainstem near Corinne running at a level that supports continued agricultural operations for users still active this season.

Seasonal Guidance

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Data Sources: SNOTEL data through October 25, 2026; USGS streamflow data through October 26, 2026

Data Current As Of: October 26, 2026 | 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.