Franklin County, ID — Water Intelligence Brief

July 13, 2026 | Bear River Basin

Situation Summary

Franklin County's Bear River Basin water supply is operating in a post-peak-runoff mode, with snowpack effectively gone across all monitored SNOTEL stations following the anomalous March heat wave that drove meltout 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date. Streamflows on the Bear River mainstem show a mixed picture, with the Pescadero gauge running strong while upstream and downstream readings are falling. Reservoir storage data and 7-day forecast details are available in the full brief.

Snowpack Conditions

All eight SNOTEL stations serving the Bear River Basin report conditions consistent with full seasonal meltout as of July 12, 2026:

The basin is at its expected mid-July seasonal condition for SWE — stations showing 0.0" SWE reflect the normal end-of-season baseline for this date, not an anomalous deficit. The critical story for 2026 is not the current reading but the timing: this meltout occurred 4–6 weeks earlier than the historical median, meaning the seasonal pulse of snowmelt-driven streamflow peaked and subsided well ahead of schedule. Franklin Basin and Slug Creek Divide retain trace snow depths, and Franklin Basin's 0.6" SWE is the only measurable residual water equivalent in the network — a minor signal with limited practical supply implications at this stage of the season.

Streamflow Conditions

Seven USGS gauges provide streamflow coverage across the Bear River Basin as of July 13, 2026:

The Bear River at Pescadero (1,270 cfs, stable) is the most directly relevant gauge for Franklin County water managers, reflecting combined mainstem flow at a key system point. The substantial spread between Pescadero (1,270 cfs) and both the upstream Border gauge (81 cfs, falling) and downstream Corinne gauge (185 cfs, falling) reflects reservoir regulation and tributary contributions within the system — operational context that users should confirm with the Bear River Commission and PacifiCorp. The falling trend at Border, Corinne, and Logan River is consistent with post-runoff seasonal recession. The Malad River near Bear River City reading (6 cfs) dates to May 15 and should not be used for current planning — users should seek updated information from USGS or local contacts. Blacksmith Fork and Little Bear River are holding stable at modest flows, indicating tributaries have transitioned to baseflow conditions.

Seasonal Guidance

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

Data Sources: SNOTEL data through July 12, 2026; USGS streamflow data through July 13, 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.