Cache County, UT — Water Intelligence Brief

Bear River Basin | September 28, 2026

Situation Summary

Bear River Basin streamflows are broadly falling across all monitored reaches, with late-season conditions now firmly established across Cache County's irrigated landscape — dairy operations and alfalfa producers should expect continued tightening of available surface water through the close of the irrigation season. Deliveries from Logan River, Blacksmith Fork, and Little Bear River tributaries remain measurable but are trending downward, reflecting typical late-September baseflow recession with no snowpack-driven recovery on the horizon. Reservoir storage trends, 7-day forecast detail, and depletion-adjusted delivery outlooks are available in the full brief.

Snowpack Conditions

All SNOTEL stations monitoring the Bear River Basin highlands above Cache County are reporting at or near zero snow water equivalent, consistent with normal seasonal conditions for late September — mountain snowpack has not yet begun to accumulate for the 2026–27 water year.

Station Readings (September 27, 2026):

The trace readings at Emigrant Summit (0.2") and Giveout (0.2") with zero snow depth reflect instrument sensitivity at the absolute onset of the accumulation season and should not be interpreted as meaningful snowpack. No percent-of-median figures are reported for these stations at this date, because the historical median SWE for late September is also 0.0" — current conditions are normal for the calendar date, not anomalous.

Seasonal context: the 2026 snowpack melted out 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date, driven by an anomalous March heat wave. That early meltout compressed the spring runoff window and drew down tributary flows earlier than typical — a condition that has shaped the summer and now the late-season supply picture. New accumulation at these elevations is not expected to contribute meaningfully to streamflows until November at the earliest.

Streamflow Conditions

Basin-wide flows are falling across the Bear River system, with the exception of two gauges holding stable. Late-season baseflow is the operational reality through the remainder of September and into October.

Gauge Readings (September 28, 2026):

The falling trend at Bear River at Border (57 cfs) and the mainstem at Corinne (226 cfs) is consistent with normal late-season recession following a summer of declining tributary contributions. The 256 cfs reading at Pescadero represents flow entering Utah from Idaho, and the downstream Corinne reading of 226 cfs reflects net diversions and channel losses along the lower reach.

Within Cache County's primary tributary system, Logan River at 72 cfs (stable) and Blacksmith Fork at 47 cfs (stable) are the most operationally significant readings for local irrigators — these flows are sustaining late-season deliveries for now, but both are vulnerable to further recession as fall cooling progresses. Little Bear River at Paradise (23 cfs, falling) serves south Cache Valley users and represents tighter supply conditions for that reach.

The Malad River near Bear River City reading (6 cfs) carries a data date of May 15 and should not be used for current operational decisions — users dependent on Malad River conditions should contact the Utah Division of Water Rights or local water master directly.

Seasonal Guidance

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

Data Sources: SNOTEL data through September 27, 2026; USGS streamflow data through September 28, 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.