Iron County Water Intelligence Brief

August 10, 2026 | Cedar-Parowan Closed Basin

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 snowpack on the Markagunt Plateau melted out 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date, compressing the natural recharge window for both valley aquifers earlier than usual. All six SNOTEL stations are now at their normal August-season condition with zero snow water equivalent, reflecting the end of the mountain snowpack season rather than an anomalous current deficit. Reservoir storage data and 7-day forecast details are available in the full brief.

Snowpack Conditions

All six SNOTEL stations reporting for the Cedar-Parowan Closed Basin show 0.0" snow water equivalent (SWE) as of August 9, 2026 — the expected condition for this point in the calendar, as median SWE for these stations is also 0.0" in early August.

| Station | SWE (8/9) | Snow Depth |

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

| Brian Head | 0.0" | N/A |

| Castle Valley | N/A | 0.0" |

| Little Grassy | 0.0" | N/A |

| Long Flat | 0.0" | 0.0" |

| Midway Valley | 0.0" | 0.0" |

| Yankee Reservoir | 0.0" | 0.0" |

The critical 2026 signal is not current SWE — it is timing. Markagunt Plateau snowpack melted out 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date, driven by an anomalous March heat wave. Brian Head SNOTEL (10,040 ft elevation) is the primary recharge indicator for both Cedar Valley and Parowan Valley aquifers; an early meltout at this station means the spring recharge pulse — which drives infiltration into both valley aquifers — arrived and concluded well ahead of schedule. That earlier-than-normal recharge window has now closed for the 2026 season.

Streamflow Conditions

Coal Creek Near Cedar City (USGS 10242000): 7 cfs, stable as of August 10, 2026.

Coal Creek should be read as a recharge signal for Cedar Valley, not as an irrigation supply volume. With a drainage area of approximately 80.9 square miles and an annual average flow modest by Mountain West standards, Coal Creek is not a primary agricultural delivery system — Iron County agriculture depends on groundwater, not canal diversions from this stream.

A stable late-summer reading of 7 cfs reflects normal baseflow recession following the early meltout. The compressed spring runoff season means the creek's peak recharge contribution to Cedar Valley groundwater occurred earlier in 2026 than in most historical years.

Parowan Valley monitoring gap: No active USGS gauge exists on Parowan Creek or Center Creek in Parowan Valley (HUC 16030001). Parowan Valley surface water conditions cannot be directly observed from this platform. Parowan Valley irrigators should contact the Utah Division of Water Rights for local stream data and rely on well monitoring for current aquifer status.

Iron County is a closed basin — water that falls on these mountains stays here or is consumed here, with no surface connection to the Sevier River, Virgin River, Colorado River, or any other regional watershed.

Seasonal Guidance

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

Data Sources: SNOTEL data through August 9, 2026; USGS streamflow data through August 10, 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; waterrights.utah.gov), Iron County Water Conservancy District, Cedar City Water Department, and local irrigation companies serving Parowan Valley agricultural users for regulatory decisions and water rights administration.