Iron County Water Intelligence Brief

June 29, 2026 | Free-Tier Edition

Situation Summary

Iron County's Cedar Valley and Parowan Valley are structurally overdrafted closed basins where chronic aquifer decline — not seasonal drought — defines the long-term water supply picture; 2026 snowmelt arrived 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date across the Markagunt Plateau, compressing the natural recharge window for both valley aquifers. All six SNOTEL stations monitoring Iron County's high-elevation watersheds have returned to zero snow water equivalent, confirming the recharge season is fully complete for 2026. Reservoir storage data and 7-day forecast details are available in the full brief.

Snowpack Conditions

All six SNOTEL stations monitoring the Markagunt Plateau and surrounding high country recorded zero snow water equivalent (SWE) and zero or trace snow depth as of June 28, 2026:

Because the historical median SWE for these stations at this point in the calendar is also 0.0", these readings represent normal seasonal conditions for late June — not an anomalous deficit relative to today's date. The critical 2026 signal is timing: an anomalous March heat wave drove meltout 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date across the Markagunt Plateau. That earlier-than-normal meltout shortened the spring recharge window for both Cedar Valley and Parowan Valley aquifers. The trace depth recorded at Brian Head is a remnant artifact and carries no meaningful SWE. For Parowan Valley irrigators, Brian Head SNOTEL is the primary high-elevation recharge indicator — its early meltout this season means the pulse of snowmelt-driven aquifer recharge arrived and passed earlier than normal.

Streamflow Conditions

Coal Creek near Cedar City (USGS 10242000): 11 cfs, stable, as of June 29, 2026.

Coal Creek is Iron County's only active USGS streamflow gauge. With a drainage area of approximately 80.9 square miles, it is a small stream by Mountain West standards. Its readings should be understood as a recharge-season signal — an indicator of Markagunt Plateau snowmelt timing and infiltration conditions — rather than as a direct measure of agricultural supply volume. Iron County agriculture is primarily groundwater-dependent; Coal Creek is not a meaningful irrigation supply source.

At 11 cfs with a stable trend, Coal Creek is reflecting the tail end of the 2026 snowmelt runoff pulse. Given that meltout occurred 4–6 weeks earlier than the historical median, the peak recharge contribution from surface infiltration and streamflow has already passed for this season.

Parowan Valley monitoring gap: No active USGS gauge exists on Parowan Creek or Center Creek in the Parowan Valley. This is a known data gap. Parowan Valley streamflow and recharge conditions cannot be assessed from USGS gauge data alone. Users should contact the Utah Division of Water Rights for local stream monitoring data and consult groundwater management plan reporting for aquifer-level trends.

Seasonal Guidance

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

Data Sources: SNOTEL data through June 28, 2026; USGS streamflow data through June 29, 2026

Data Current As Of: Utah Division of Water Rights

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, Utah Division of Water Rights (State Engineer — issues and administers groundwater management plans for Cedar Valley and Parowan Valley aquifers; the governing documents for long-term aquifer protection; waterrights.utah.gov), Iron County Water Conservancy District (local water authority), Cedar City Water Department (primary municipal water provider for Cedar City area), and local irrigation companies serving Parowan Valley agricultural users for regulatory decisions and water rights administration.