Water Intelligence Brief

Franklin County, ID

October 26, 2026

Franklin County, ID — Water Intelligence Brief

October 26, 2026 | Bear River Basin

Situation Summary

Bear River flows are rising across the basin this week, with the Border, WY gauge reading 78 cfs and Pescadero, ID at 37 cfs — conditions consistent with late-October baseflow as the irrigation season winds down. For Franklin County producers, the operational focus has shifted from in-season delivery management to offseason planning and storage outlook heading into the 2027 season. Reservoir storage data and 7-day forecast details are available in the full brief.

Snowpack Conditions

Mountain snowpack in the Bear River Basin is in its early accumulation phase, with most stations reporting minimal or no snow-water equivalent as of October 25.

  • Bear River RS: SWE 0.1", snow depth 1.0"
  • Emigrant Summit: SWE 0.1", snow depth 0.0"
  • Franklin Basin: SWE 0.0", snow depth 2.0"
  • Garden City Summit: SWE 0.0", snow depth 0.0"
  • Giveout: SWE 0.0", snow depth 1.0"
  • Slug Creek Divide: SWE 0.0", snow depth 0.0"
  • USU Doc Daniel: SWE 0.0" (0% of 0.9" median)
  • Tony Grove Lake: Data collection issues; no reading available

    • Readings of 0.0" SWE at most stations are normal for this point in the calendar — the median SWE for late October at these elevations is also at or near zero, meaning stations are at their expected seasonal condition. USU Doc Daniel's 0% of 0.9" median reading warrants attention as the season develops. Background context: the 2026 season was defined by an anomalous March heat wave that drove meltout 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date — a condition that affected summer supply. Early snowpack accumulation this fall will be the signal to watch heading into winter.

    Streamflow Conditions

    Bear River flows are broadly rising across the basin as of October 26, reflecting typical late-season and early-fall precipitation response patterns.

  • Bear River at Border, WY: 78 cfs (rising)
  • Bear River at Pescadero, ID: 37 cfs (rising)
  • Bear River near Corinne, UT: 883 cfs (rising)
  • Blacksmith Fork ab Up and L Co.'s Dam nr Hyrum, UT: 52 cfs (stable)
  • Little Bear River at Paradise, UT: 40 cfs (rising)
  • Logan River above State Dam, near Logan, UT: 92 cfs (rising)
  • Malad River near Bear River City, UT: 6 cfs (data from 05/15 — current reading unavailable)

    • The widespread rising trend across mainstem and tributary gauges suggests basin-wide response to recent precipitation. The Malad River near Bear River City reading is stale (May 15 data) and should not be used for current operational decisions. Franklin County irrigators should note that late-October flows are primarily of planning interest rather than active delivery concern, as the irrigation season has largely concluded.

    Seasonal Guidance

  • Contact the Idaho Department of Water Resources Eastern Regional Office in Pocatello (208-525-7161) to check on Bear River Groundwater Management Area (Bear River GWMA) well monitoring status and any updates to groundwater administration for the coming season.
  • Reach out to your local Franklin County irrigation district or ditch company to confirm end-of-season delivery accounting and verify your water right priority standing ahead of 2027 planning.
  • Check with PacifiCorp / Bear River Commission for current Bear Lake and Glendale Reservoir storage status, which will shape early-season 2027 delivery outlook for Bear River Basin users.
  • Monitor NRCS SNOTEL basin reports through the winter at nrcs.usda.gov to track snowpack accumulation relative to median at Franklin Basin, Bear River RS, and other nearby stations as the season develops.

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

    Data Sources: SNOTEL data through October 25, 2026; USGS streamflow data through October 26, 2026

    Data Current As Of: Idaho Department of Water Resources (Eastern Regional Office in Pocatello, (208) 525-7161, for Bear River basin counties)

    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, PacifiCorp/Bear River Commission (for Bear Lake storage operations) and local irrigation districts for regulatory decisions and water rights administration.

    Data & Disclaimers

    Sources: NRCS SNOTEL network · USGS National Water Information System · National Weather Service

    This brief provides automated analysis for informational purposes only. Consult official sources including your local water district and state Division of Water Rights for regulatory decisions. This document does not constitute legal, regulatory, or engineering advice.

    Previous Issues

    Franklin County Brief — October 19, 2026Franklin County Brief — October 12, 2026Franklin County Brief — October 5, 2026Franklin County Brief — September 28, 2026Franklin County Brief — September 21, 2026Franklin County Brief — September 14, 2026Franklin County Brief — September 7, 2026Franklin County Brief — August 31, 2026Franklin County Brief — August 24, 2026Franklin County Brief — August 17, 2026Franklin County Brief — August 10, 2026Franklin County Brief — August 3, 2026Franklin County Brief — July 27, 2026Franklin County Brief — July 20, 2026Franklin County Brief — July 13, 2026Franklin County Brief — July 6, 2026Franklin County Brief — June 29, 2026Franklin County Brief — June 22, 2026Franklin County Brief — June 15, 2026Franklin County Brief — June 8, 2026Franklin County Brief — June 1, 2026Franklin County Brief — May 26, 2026Franklin County Brief — May 15, 2026Franklin County Brief — April 27, 2026

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