Cache County, UT — Water Intelligence Brief

October 19, 2026 | Bear River Basin

Situation Summary

Bear River basin streamflows are in their expected late-season pattern, with most gauges running stable to falling as the irrigation season winds down and autumn baseflow conditions take hold. Dairy operations and alfalfa producers wrapping up the final cutting season should note that delivery reliability through the remainder of October depends on current reservoir carryover and direct-flow conditions in local tributaries. Reservoir storage data and 7-day forecast details are available in the full brief.

Snowpack Conditions

The NRCS SNOTEL network serving Cache County's Bear River Basin watershed shows no meaningful snowpack accumulation as of October 18, consistent with normal early-autumn conditions at this point in the calendar.

Station readings (October 18, 2026):

Where percent-of-median figures are shown — USU Doc Daniel at 0% of a 0.4" median — this indicates the station is currently below its historical October median, though mid-October median values are themselves very small. The remaining stations show 0.0" against a 0.0" median for this date, meaning those stations are at normal seasonal condition rather than below normal. As background context, the 2026 season was defined by snowpack that melted out 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date — a condition that shaped spring and summer runoff timing but is now past. The operational question for winter outlook is how quickly mountain snowpack builds through November and December; that accumulation trajectory will define next irrigation season's supply position.

Streamflow Conditions

Bear River Basin gauges present a mixed picture as of October 19, with the mainstem near Corinne carrying substantial flow and most tributary gauges running stable at modest levels.

Gauge readings (October 19, 2026):

The falling trend on the Logan River, Little Bear River, and Bear River near Corinne is consistent with normal autumn recession as mountain recharge slows and irrigation-season return flows taper. Blacksmith Fork holding stable at 52 cfs is a positive sign for Hyrum-area water managers. The Malad River reading is flagged as unreliable for current planning purposes given its May 15 timestamp.

Seasonal Guidance

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Data Sources: SNOTEL data through October 18, 2026; USGS streamflow data through October 19, 2026

Data Current As Of: SNOTEL and USGS data as noted above; Utah Division of Water Rights administrative data current as of publication date

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, Utah Division of Water Resources, Utah Division of Water Rights, and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for regulatory decisions and water rights administration. Streamflow conditions can change rapidly; verify current gauge readings at waterdata.usgs.gov before making operational decisions.