Franklin County, ID — Water Intelligence Brief

October 5, 2026 | Bear River Basin

Situation Summary

Bear River flows at the Border, WY and Pescadero, ID gauges are running at 45 cfs and 42 cfs respectively, both on a falling trend, signaling that late-season surface water supply is tightening as the irrigation season winds down. For Franklin County irrigators approaching final harvest and cover-crop decisions, declining mainstem flows indicate limited surface water availability for any remaining late-season needs. Reservoir storage data and 7-day forecast details are available in the full brief.

Snowpack Conditions

All monitored SNOTEL stations in the Bear River Basin are reporting at or near seasonal baseline for early October — this is normal calendar-date snowpack, not an anomalous deficit. The accurate supply signal for 2026 is timing: snowpack at basin stations melted out 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date, compressing the spring runoff window earlier in the season.

Current station readings as of October 4, 2026:

Emigrant Summit and Giveout show trace SWE (0.1"), consistent with early-season dusting rather than accumulating snowpack. The seasonal snowpack building period is just beginning — what accumulates at these stations between now and April will determine 2027 irrigation season supply. Slug Creek Divide data collection issues should be noted; that station's readings will be important to track as accumulation season begins.

Streamflow Conditions

Bear River mainstem flows through the Franklin County reach are low and declining. The Border, WY gauge reads 45 cfs (falling) and the Pescadero, ID gauge reads 42 cfs (falling) as of October 5 — a modest step-down from entry to exit across the county reach, consistent with late-season baseflow conditions.

Downstream context shows a more complex picture:

The falling trend at the Border and Pescadero gauges is the most operationally relevant signal for Franklin County users. Late-season surface water availability is limited and declining. The rising readings at Corinne and Logan River suggest downstream and tributary dynamics that may not translate to additional supply in the upper Franklin County reach.

Seasonal Guidance

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

Data Sources: SNOTEL data through October 4, 2026; USGS streamflow data through October 5, 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.