Iron County Water Intelligence Brief

July 13, 2026 | Cedar-Parowan Closed Basin

Situation Summary

Iron County's water story in 2026 is not a snowpack story — it is a structural groundwater story. Cedar Valley and Parowan Valley are internally draining closed basins where aquifer overdraft has persisted for decades, and the 2026 season reflects that chronic condition: snowpack across the Markagunt Plateau melted out 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date following an anomalous March heat wave, compressing the natural recharge window. Coal Creek is running at modest midsummer levels, providing a limited recharge signal for Cedar Valley. 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 show complete meltout as of July 12, 2026 — an expected condition for this date on the calendar.

| Station | SWE (in) | Depth (in) |

|---|---|---|

| Brian Head | 0.0 | 1.0 |

| Castle Valley | 0.0 | 0.0 |

| Little Grassy | 0.0 | 0.0 |

| Long Flat | 0.0 | 0.0 |

| Midway Valley | 0.0 | 0.0 |

| Yankee Reservoir | 0.0 | N/A |

No station shows a percent-of-median figure, which means median SWE for this date is also 0.0" — these readings reflect normal mid-July seasonal conditions, not below-normal snowpack. The critical 2026 signal is timing: stations melted out 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date. The practical consequence is that natural recharge to Cedar Valley and Parowan Valley aquifers from Markagunt Plateau snowmelt concluded earlier in the spring than historically typical, shortening the annual recharge window. Brian Head SNOTEL (10,040 ft) is the primary high-elevation indicator for both basins; its early meltout this year is the most meaningful snowpack signal for Iron County groundwater users.

Streamflow Conditions

Coal Creek Near Cedar City (USGS 10242000): 9 cfs, rising — July 13, 2026

Coal Creek is the only active USGS streamflow gauge in Iron County, draining approximately 80.9 square miles of the Markagunt Plateau into Cedar Valley. At 9 cfs and rising, the creek is running at a modest midsummer level — read this as a leading indicator of late-season recharge potential for the Cedar Valley aquifer system, not as a direct irrigation supply volume. Coal Creek terminates in a playa; it does not connect to any larger river system. Iron County is a closed basin — water that falls here stays here or is consumed here.

Parowan Valley gauge gap: No active USGS gauge exists on Parowan Creek or Center Creek in Parowan Valley (HUC 16030001). Parowan Valley streamflow conditions cannot be assessed from real-time gauge data. Parowan Valley irrigators should consult Utah Division of Water Rights and local well monitoring records for current aquifer and surface water status — streamflow conditions in that valley must be inferred from groundwater management plan reporting rather than gauge data.

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: 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.