Franklin County, ID — Water Intelligence Brief

Bear River Basin | September 7, 2026

Situation Summary

Bear River flows are declining across the basin this week, with the Bear River at Pescadero, ID reading 775 cfs (falling) and the Bear River at Border, WY at 45 cfs (falling), signaling tightening late-season supply conditions for Franklin County irrigators entering the final weeks of the irrigation season. Producers with late-season hay cuttings or row-crop finishing needs should monitor delivery schedules closely, as falling tributary and mainstem flows typically reduce canal company flexibility in the coming weeks. Reservoir storage data and detailed 7-day forecast analysis are available in the full brief.

Snowpack Conditions

All SNOTEL stations across the Bear River Basin are reporting at or near end-of-season conditions, consistent with normal snowpack absence in early September. The 2026 season was characterized by meltout occurring 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date at most stations, driven by an anomalous March heat wave — that early meltout is now background context for understanding this season's streamflow trajectory.

Current station readings (September 6, 2026):

No percent-of-median figures are provided for these stations at this date, which reflects that the median SWE at this point in the calendar is also 0.0" — these readings represent normal seasonal absence of snowpack, not below-normal conditions. The trace readings at Emigrant Summit (0.2" SWE) and Giveout (0.4" SWE) may reflect isolated early-season accumulation or instrument artifacts and should not be interpreted as meaningful stored water supply. Snowpack will not be a water supply factor until the 2026–2027 accumulation season begins. Franklin County irrigators are now entirely dependent on streamflow, canal deliveries, and regional reservoir carryover for the remainder of the season.

Streamflow Conditions

Bear River Basin streamflows are broadly declining across the monitored network, reflecting the late-season pattern typical of early September. Franklin County's water supply picture is shaped primarily by mainstem Bear River conditions and key tributary performance.

Bear River mainstem:

Bear River tributaries (Utah gauges providing basin context):

Malad River near Bear River City, UT: 6 cfs — this reading is dated May 15 and should not be used for current operational planning. Current Malad River conditions are not reflected in available data.

The overall picture is a declining mainstem with stable tributaries in the middle basin. The gap between Pescadero (775 cfs) and Corinne (239 cfs) underscores how heavily the Bear River is being drawn upon through the Idaho and Utah reach. Franklin County irrigators should expect that late-season deliveries will increasingly reflect canal company and district allocation decisions rather than abundant natural flow.

Seasonal Guidance

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

Data Sources: SNOTEL data through September 6, 2026; USGS streamflow data through September 7, 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.