Cache County, UT — Water Intelligence Brief

August 24, 2026 | Bear River Basin | Free-Tier Edition

Situation Summary

Snowpack across Cache County's Bear River Basin monitoring network has fully melted out, with most SNOTEL stations recording 0.0" SWE — a condition that is normal for late August but arrived 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date this year due to an anomalous March heat wave. Streamflows on key local tributaries including the Logan River and Little Bear River are falling, reflecting the absence of snowmelt input and typical late-season recession. Reservoir storage data and 7-day forecast details are available in the full brief.

Snowpack Conditions

All eight SNOTEL stations serving Cache County's Bear River Basin watershed are reporting conditions consistent with full seasonal meltout as of August 23, 2026. Six of the eight stations — Bear River RS, Franklin Basin, Garden City Summit, Slug Creek Divide, Tony Grove Lake, and USU Doc Daniel — are recording 0.0" snow water equivalent (SWE) and 0.0" snow depth. For late August, a 0.0" SWE reading at these stations reflects the normal seasonal condition; the median SWE for this date is also 0.0", so these stations are not below normal for today's calendar date.

Two stations show trace residual values: Emigrant Summit is reporting 0.2" SWE with 1.0" snow depth, and Giveout is reporting 0.4" SWE with 0.0" snow depth. These are minimal values consistent with isolated late-lying snow patches rather than meaningful water supply.

The significant story for 2026 is not today's snowpack readings, which are seasonally normal, but rather the timing of meltout. Across the monitoring network, stations melted out approximately 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date — meaning the snowmelt-driven recharge pulse that typically sustains streamflows and reservoir filling into late spring and early summer arrived and concluded substantially earlier this season. That earlier meltout is the primary driver of current late-season streamflow and storage conditions in the basin.

Streamflow Conditions

Seven USGS gauges provide streamflow coverage across the Bear River Basin relevant to Cache County agricultural users as of August 24, 2026.

Bear River mainstem: The Bear River at Border, WY is recording 58 cfs and falling — a low late-season reading at the upper end of the system. The Bear River at Pescadero, ID is recording 883 cfs and stable, reflecting the influence of Bear Lake and upstream Idaho operations on mainstem flows through that reach. The Bear River near Corinne, UT is recording 200 cfs and falling, representing the lower mainstem condition as the river approaches Great Salt Lake.

Local Cache County tributaries: The Logan River above State Dam, near Logan, UT is recording 66 cfs as of August 22 and falling — the primary streamflow indicator for Logan Canyon water users and the Cache Valley floor. The Little Bear River at Paradise, UT is recording 16 cfs as of August 23 and falling, indicating continued recession on that tributary system. The Blacksmith Fork above Upper and Lower Canal Company's Dam near Hyrum, UT is recording 50 cfs and stable, providing a relatively steadier signal for Hyrum-area water users.

Lower system: The Malad River near Bear River City, UT is reporting 6 cfs, though this reading dates to May 15 and should be treated with caution — current conditions on the Malad are not reflected in this data point.

The overall streamflow picture is one of normal late-season recession, with falling trends on the Logan River and Little Bear River consistent with the absence of snowmelt input. Dairy operations and alfalfa irrigators relying on surface deliveries should note that flows on local tributaries are in declining mode and no significant natural recharge event is anticipated until the fall precipitation season.

Seasonal Guidance

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Data Sources: SNOTEL data through August 23, 2026; USGS streamflow data through August 24, 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.