Cassia County Water Intelligence Brief

October 19, 2026 | Free-Tier Edition

Situation Summary

Streamflows across both of Cassia County's agricultural zones are running low and falling this week, with Cassia Creek below Blacksmith Creek at 7 cfs (falling) and the Raft River above Onemile Creek near Malta at just 2 cfs (falling) — conditions consistent with late-season recession as the 2026 irrigation season winds down. For Snake River corridor users, Burley Irrigation District deliveries are the primary supply variable to watch as the season closes; Raft River Valley ranchers should note that the Malta gauge reading leaves minimal margin for any remaining late-season irrigation draws. Reservoir storage data and 7-day forecast details are available in the full brief.

Snowpack Conditions

All three SNOTEL stations reporting for the Cassia County watershed area show conditions typical for mid-October:

No percent-of-median figures are reported at any station, which indicates the median SWE for this date is also at or near zero — these readings reflect normal seasonal conditions for mid-October, not a below-normal anomaly. The relevant 2026 snowpack story is one of timing: mountain snowpack across the region melted out 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date, driven by an anomalous March heat wave. That early meltout is background context for the season's supply trajectory; meaningful new snowpack accumulation is not expected until November or later.

Streamflow Conditions

Snake River Corridor context: No active USGS Snake River gauge exists within Cassia County boundaries. Supply assessment for the Burley Irrigation District service area relies on upstream reference points — Cassia Creek below Blacksmith Creek serves as an in-county tributary indicator.

At 7 cfs and falling, Cassia Creek is consistent with typical late-season low-flow recession. This tributary signal reflects diminishing runoff contribution and reduced late-season soil moisture across the drainage.

Raft River Valley:

The Malta gauge at 2 cfs and falling is a notable constraint for southern Cassia County. The Raft River system is a modest water source under the best conditions; at current levels, available surface water for any remaining Raft River Valley irrigation is extremely limited. Ranchers and hay operators in the Oakley, Malta, and Elba areas should treat this as a signal that the surface water season is effectively concluded and plan accordingly.

Seasonal Guidance

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

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

Data Current As Of: October 19, 2026.

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, Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR — Water District 36, Burley office), Burley Irrigation District, and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Pacific Northwest Region (Boise office) for regulatory decisions and water rights administration.