Franklin County, ID — Water Intelligence Brief

October 19, 2026 | Bear River Basin

Situation Summary

Bear River flows at Pescadero, ID are running at 36 cfs (stable) this week, reflecting a low-flow autumn pattern consistent with the end of the irrigation season across the Bear River Basin. With the 2026 irrigation season now effectively closed, attention for Franklin County agricultural users shifts to fall soil moisture conditions, storage carryover, and early indicators for the 2027 season. Reservoir storage data and 7-day forecast details are available in the full brief.

Snowpack Conditions

All SNOTEL stations in the Bear River Basin are reporting at or near baseline autumn conditions as of October 18, 2026:

Seven of eight stations show 0.0" SWE with no percent-of-median figure, indicating that the historical median for this date is also 0.0" — these stations are at normal seasonal condition for mid-October, not below normal. Emigrant Summit is the lone exception with a trace reading of 0.1" SWE and 1.0" snow depth, the only station showing any accumulation. USU Doc Daniel explicitly shows 0% of a 0.4" median, making it the one station where a modest below-normal signal is present.

For 2026 seasonal context: snowpack across the Bear River Basin melted out approximately 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date, driven by an anomalous March heat wave. That early meltout shaped the 2026 irrigation season's supply trajectory. The basin now transitions into the snowpack accumulation season, and early October readings provide limited predictive value for the 2027 water year.

Streamflow Conditions

Bear River Basin gauges as of October 19, 2026:

The upper Bear River at Border, WY (54 cfs) and Pescadero, ID (36 cfs) are both stable, indicating steady baseflow conditions in the portion of the river most directly relevant to Franklin County diversions. The difference between Border and Pescadero likely reflects normal channel and diversion dynamics along that reach.

Downstream at Corinne, UT, the Bear River is running at 531 cfs but falling — a substantially higher reading that reflects basin accumulation from multiple tributaries including the Logan River, Blacksmith Fork, and Little Bear River before the river reaches the lower basin. The falling trend at Corinne and on the Logan River and Little Bear River is consistent with typical autumn recession as tributary contributions decrease.

Note on Malad River data: The Malad River near Bear River City reading of 6 cfs carries a data date of 05/15, indicating this gauge has not reported a current reading. Users should not rely on this figure for current conditions and should contact USGS or IDWR for gauge status.

Seasonal Guidance

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Data Sources: SNOTEL data through October 18, 2026; USGS streamflow data through October 19, 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.