Franklin County, ID — Water Intelligence Brief

August 3, 2026 | Bear River Basin | Free-Tier Edition

Situation Summary

Franklin County's Bear River Basin water supply is operating in a late-season mode consistent with an extremely early snowmelt year — SNOTEL stations across the basin melted out 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date, compressing the seasonal runoff window and placing additional pressure on stored and flowing water supplies. Streamflow on the Bear River system shows a mixed picture, with significant flow volume still present at key gauges but declining trends at multiple points that warrant close monitoring as peak irrigation demand continues through August. Reservoir storage data and 7-day forecast details are available in the full brief.

Snowpack Conditions

All eight SNOTEL stations reporting for the Bear River Basin show negligible to zero snow water equivalent (SWE) as of August 2, 2026, which is the fully expected seasonal condition for early August — the critical context is not the current reading but the timing of meltout earlier this season.

| Station | SWE | Snow Depth |

|---|---|---|

| Bear River RS | 0.0" | 0.0" |

| Emigrant Summit | 0.1" | 0.0" |

| Franklin Basin | 0.0" | 0.0" |

| Garden City Summit | 0.0" | 0.0" |

| Giveout | N/A | 0.0" |

| Slug Creek Divide | 0.0" | 0.0" |

| Tony Grove Lake | 0.0" | 0.0" |

| USU Doc Daniel | 0.0" | 0.0" |

No station is reporting a percent-of-median figure, which means the median SWE for these stations on this calendar date is also 0.0" — the stations are at their normal seasonal condition for early August, not below normal in a current-reading sense. The residual trace reading at Emigrant Summit (0.1" SWE, 0.0" depth) is within instrument variability range and not operationally meaningful.

The supply story for 2026 is embedded in meltout timing: across the Bear River Basin, stations melted out 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date, driven by an anomalous March heat wave across the Mountain West. That early meltout means the peak runoff pulse entered the system weeks earlier than normal, and the basin has now been operating without meaningful snowmelt contribution for a prolonged period. Any remaining supply in the system is coming from reservoir storage releases and base streamflow — not ongoing snowmelt.

Streamflow Conditions

Seven USGS gauges provide coverage of the Bear River Basin as of August 3, 2026. The system shows a wide range of flow volumes across its geographic extent, with the dominant signal being declining or stable flows at the lower end of late-season ranges at several key points.

Bear River at Border, WY is reporting 59 cfs (stable) as of August 3. This upper-basin entry point reflects minimal inflow contribution from the Wyoming headwaters at this stage of the season.

Bear River at Pescadero, ID is the most operationally significant gauge for Franklin County irrigators, reporting 1,050 cfs (falling) as of August 3. This is the primary indicator of Bear River mainstem supply available to Franklin County and downstream users. The falling trend at this gauge warrants close attention — the 1,050 cfs reading reflects current conditions, but the directional trend is downward during a period of peak irrigation demand.

Bear River near Corinne, UT is reporting 247 cfs (falling) as of August 3. The substantially lower flow at this downstream Utah gauge reflects cumulative diversions and consumptive use through the Bear River corridor between Pescadero and Corinne, illustrating the degree to which the river is being actively drawn upon across its length.

Blacksmith Fork above Upper and Lower Company's Dam near Hyrum, UT is reporting 52 cfs (stable) as of August 3, indicating relatively steady tributary conditions on this Cache Valley sub-watershed.

Little Bear River at Paradise, UT is reporting 15 cfs (falling) as of August 1. This tributary is running at low late-season levels with a declining trend — the most recent reading is two days prior to this brief's publication date.

Logan River above State Dam, near Logan, UT is reporting 72 cfs (falling) as of August 1. The Logan River is similarly declining, consistent with post-snowmelt late-season conditions across the basin's Utah tributaries. Reading is two days prior to publication.

Malad River near Bear River City, UT is reporting 6 cfs, with a data date of May 15 — this reading is significantly stale and should not be used for current operational decisions. Franklin County water managers should contact USGS or IDWR for current Malad River status.

The collective picture from active gauges shows the Bear River mainstem carrying substantial but declining flow through the Franklin County reach, while tributaries in the Utah portion of the basin are running low and falling. The absence of snowmelt contribution going forward means flow maintenance depends on reservoir releases and groundwater-fed baseflow.

Seasonal Guidance

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Data Sources: SNOTEL data through August 2, 2026; USGS streamflow data through August 3, 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.