Cache County, UT — Water Intelligence Brief

Bear River Basin | September 21, 2026

Situation Summary

Late-season streamflows across the Bear River Basin are running in a mixed pattern, with the Logan River, Little Bear River, and Bear River near Corinne all trending upward while the Pescadero reach is falling — a picture of shifting seasonal dynamics that irrigators should monitor closely heading into the final weeks of the irrigation season. Dairy operations and alfalfa producers in Cache County should assess remaining cutting schedules and livestock water supply now, before any delivery changes affect end-of-season plans. 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 serving Cache County are reporting at or near zero snow water equivalent, consistent with normal late-September conditions — the median SWE for this date is also 0.0" at nearly all stations, so current readings reflect typical seasonal meltout, not anomalous deficits.

The operational context for 2026 is meltout timing: stations melted out 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date, which shifted the primary runoff pulse into late winter and early spring rather than the typical May–June window. That early-season signal has already worked through the system and is background context at this point in the calendar.

Station readings as of September 20, 2026:

The 2.0" snow depth at Franklin Basin with 0.0" SWE likely reflects early light snow that has not yet consolidated into measurable water content — not a significant supply signal. The trace readings at Emigrant Summit and Giveout (0.1" SWE) are similarly minimal. Slug Creek Divide remains offline; users relying on that station for local planning should contact the NRCS Utah Snow Survey office for any available manual readings. No meaningful snowpack-derived supply is expected from current conditions — late-season streamflows are now governed by reservoir releases, baseflow contributions, and any precipitation events rather than snowmelt.

Streamflow Conditions

Bear River Basin gauge readings present a varied but generally functional late-season picture for Cache County agricultural users.

Gauge readings:

The Logan River at 76 cfs rising and Little Bear River at 30 cfs rising are positive signals for Cache Valley irrigators still in late-season deliveries. Blacksmith Fork at 47 cfs stable suggests steady conditions for Hyrum-area water users. The Bear River near Corinne at 709 cfs rising reflects mainstem system conditions downstream of Cache County diversions.

The divergence between the rising Bear River at Border (71 cfs) and the falling Pescadero reach (379 cfs) warrants attention — the falling Pescadero reading may reflect upstream operational changes or tributary timing. Users diverting from the Bear River mainstem or its tributaries should verify current delivery status directly with their canal company or the Bear River Commission.

The Malad River near Bear River City reading dates to May 15 and should not be used for current operational planning. The data gap at that gauge is noted.

Seasonal Guidance

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

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.