Cache County Water Intelligence Brief

September 7, 2026 | Bear River Basin

Situation Summary

Bear River Basin streamflows are falling across all monitored points entering the final weeks of the 2026 irrigation season, with mainstem and tributary flows trending downward as late-summer demand continues. Local tributaries serving Cache County dairy and alfalfa operations — Logan River, Blacksmith Fork, and Little Bear River — are holding stable but at levels consistent with late-season baseflow, leaving limited margin for extended dry conditions. 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 report conditions typical for early September: snowpack has fully melted out across the monitoring network, and no meaningful snow-water equivalent is present at this time of year. This is normal seasonal behavior for early September — the median SWE for each of these stations at this date is also 0.0", so current readings do not indicate a below-normal condition relative to the calendar date.

Station readings as of September 6, 2026:

The minor readings at Emigrant Summit and Giveout likely reflect remnant patchy snow or instrument artifacts rather than meaningful accumulation. Background context for the 2026 season: an anomalous March heat wave drove snowpack meltout across the Bear River Basin approximately 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date, compressing the spring runoff window and reducing total runoff volume available for reservoir fill and early-season deliveries. That seasonal signal now belongs to the record — the supply question for the remainder of irrigation season is what current streamflow and storage can support through shutdown.

Streamflow Conditions

Bear River Basin streamflows are falling at the mainstem points and stable on local Cache County tributaries. The combination of declining mainstem flows and stable-but-low tributary readings characterizes a typical late-season baseflow regime, with snowmelt contribution effectively zero and flows sustained primarily by groundwater discharge and return flows.

Gauge readings as of September 7, 2026:

The overall picture for Cache County irrigators is one of late-season stability on local tributaries with declining mainstem flows. Dairy operations and alfalfa growers dependent on Logan River, Blacksmith Fork, and Little Bear River diversions are currently receiving stable deliveries, but the falling mainstem trend warrants close attention as the season moves toward October shutdown.

Seasonal Guidance

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Data Sources: SNOTEL data through September 6, 2026; USGS streamflow data through September 7, 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.