Cache County, UT — Water Intelligence Brief

July 6, 2026 | Bear River Basin | Free-Tier Edition

Situation Summary

Snowpack across the Bear River Basin headlands serving Cache County has reached its normal seasonal endpoint, with SNOTEL stations recording 0.0" SWE — however, the critical 2026 story is that meltout occurred 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date, compressing the spring recharge window and shifting peak streamflow earlier than normal. Streamflow at key gauges is now trending downward across most of the system, reflecting that transition from snowmelt-driven flow to base-flow conditions. Reservoir storage data, 7-day forecast details, and depletion rate analysis are available in the full brief.

Snowpack Conditions

All eight SNOTEL stations reporting in the Bear River Basin headlands serving Cache County show conditions consistent with the normal seasonal endpoint for early July — but the 2026 context is important: these stations melted out 4–6 weeks ahead of their historical median meltout dates, meaning the snowpack-to-streamflow conversion cycle concluded earlier than normal this season.

Current station readings as of July 5, 2026:

The 0.0" SWE readings at six of eight stations reflect normal seasonal conditions for this date — median SWE for these stations in early July is also 0.0", so no below-normal language applies to current point-in-time readings. Emigrant Summit (0.2") and Franklin Basin (0.5") and Giveout (0.5") show trace residual SWE. The USU Doc Daniel station reports an anomalous 3.0" snow depth alongside 0.0" SWE, which may reflect instrument conditions or dense late-lying cover — users should treat this reading with caution and monitor for updates. No meaningful snowmelt-driven recharge to streamflow should be anticipated from current snowpack conditions.

Streamflow Conditions

Bear River Basin streamflows present a mixed picture as of July 6, 2026, with the system transitioning from snowmelt-fed flows toward summer base-flow conditions across most gauges.

Bear River at Border, WY: 113 cfs, falling. This upstream entry point into the Bear River system is trending downward, consistent with post-melt recession.

Bear River at Pescadero, ID: 1,340 cfs, falling. The highest-volume gauge in the network reflects significant accumulated inflow from the upper Bear River system, but the falling trend indicates peak seasonal flows have passed.

Bear River near Corinne, UT: 563 cfs, rising. Notably, this lower-system gauge is rising while upstream gauges fall — a divergence that warrants monitoring. Reservoir operations, return flows, or tributary contributions may be influencing this reading. Dairy and alfalfa irrigators drawing from lower Bear River system infrastructure should take note.

Blacksmith Fork above Upper and Lower Companies' Dam near Hyrum, UT: 57 cfs, stable. Flow is holding steady, providing consistent supply to Hyrum Reservoir-area water users. Cache County dairy operations and alfalfa irrigators in the Hyrum corridor have relatively stable near-term supply at this gauge.

Little Bear River at Paradise, UT: 17 cfs, falling. This tributary is receding, which is expected for early July. Users relying on Little Bear River diversions should plan for continued decline through the summer.

Logan River above State Dam, near Logan, UT: 107 cfs, falling. A key supply source for Logan-area and Cache Valley irrigators. The falling trend is consistent with post-snowmelt recession. Dairy operations and alfalfa growers dependent on Logan River deliveries should begin assessing available carryover and storage options.

Malad River near Bear River City, UT: 6 cfs, last reading May 15. This gauge has not reported since mid-May, representing a significant data gap for lower-system users. Conditions at this location are unknown — contact Bear River Watershed Council or Utah Division of Water Rights for current information.

Seasonal Guidance

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Data Sources: SNOTEL data through July 5, 2026; USGS streamflow data through July 6, 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.