Cache County, UT — Water Intelligence Brief

October 5, 2026 | Bear River Basin

Situation Summary

Bear River basin streamflows are showing a mixed late-season picture: the Logan River and Bear River near Corinne are trending upward while upper-basin gauges at the Wyoming and Idaho borders continue to fall, signaling that dairy and alfalfa operations in Cache County are entering the final weeks of the irrigation season with limited new inflow from upstream. Irrigators should monitor local delivery conditions closely as canal companies begin transitioning toward end-of-season operations. Reservoir storage data and 7-day forecast details are available in the full brief.

Snowpack Conditions

All SNOTEL stations in the Bear River basin are reporting at or near zero snow water equivalent, which is normal for early October — the median SWE for this date at these elevations is also 0.0", so current readings reflect typical late-season conditions rather than below-normal snowpack. The accurate story from 2026 is one of timing: basin snowpack melted out approximately 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date, compressing the runoff season earlier into spring and reducing the late-season surface water buffer that Cache Valley irrigators typically rely on through July and August.

Station readings as of October 4, 2026:

Emigrant Summit and Giveout show trace SWE readings of 0.1", likely reflecting early-season dusting rather than meaningful accumulation. Franklin Basin reports 1.0" of snow depth with 0.0" SWE, consistent with very light, low-density early snowfall. No station is reporting snowpack that would contribute to near-term streamflow. Slug Creek Divide data collection issues should be monitored — contact NRCS Utah for status on that station.

Streamflow Conditions

Basin streamflows reflect typical late-season recession, with notable divergence between upper and lower basin gauges.

Gauge readings:

The upper-basin gauges at the Wyoming and Idaho borders — 45 cfs and 42 cfs respectively, both falling — indicate limited and declining inflow entering the system from the north. The contrast with Bear River near Corinne (475 cfs, rising) suggests that tributary contributions, storage releases, or return flows within the Utah portion of the basin are currently sustaining lower-reach flows at substantially higher levels than what is entering from upstream.

Logan River at 96 cfs and rising is a relatively healthy late-season reading for that tributary and warrants continued monitoring — any upward movement at this gauge in early October may reflect local precipitation or minor early-season recharge events rather than sustained snowmelt. Blacksmith Fork at 48 cfs and stable is holding steady. Little Bear River at Paradise at 26 cfs and falling is consistent with typical end-of-season decline.

The Malad River near Bear River City reading of 6 cfs is flagged as stale — the data is dated May 15 and does not reflect current conditions. Irrigators relying on that reach should contact USGS or the local water district for current status.

Seasonal Guidance

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Data Sources: SNOTEL data through October 4, 2026; USGS streamflow data through October 5, 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.