Minidoka County Water Intelligence Brief

October 26, 2026 | Free-Tier Edition

Situation Summary

Snake River flows at Howells Ferry are running at 416 cfs as of October 26, reflecting stable but low late-season conditions at Minidoka County's primary upstream supply point — consistent with the end of the 2026 irrigation season. With the Minidoka Irrigation District's seasonal deliveries winding down, potato and sugar beet harvest operations are the primary remaining water demand driver this week. Reservoir storage data for Lake Walcott and upstream American Falls, along with 7-day forecast details, are available in the full brief.

Snowpack Conditions

Lewis Lake Divide (SNOTEL), the primary snowpack monitoring station for the upper Snake River basin above Minidoka County, is reporting 0.0" snow water equivalent and 0.0" snow depth as of October 25. No percent-of-median figure is shown because the station's historical median SWE for this date is also 0.0" — this is normal seasonal timing for late October, not an anomalous deficit. The station has not yet entered its accumulation season. Context for 2026: Lewis Lake Divide and other upper basin stations melted out 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date this year, driven by the anomalous March heat wave. That early meltout drove the supply story through summer. Snowpack accumulation for the 2027 irrigation season will not be meaningful to track until November–December.

Streamflow Conditions

The Snake River near Minidoka at Howells Ferry (USGS 13081500) is flowing at 416 cfs as of October 26, with conditions characterized as stable. This gauge — draining approximately 15,700 square miles of upper Snake River basin — is the upstream supply signal for the entire Magic Valley corridor and the primary indicator of what Minidoka Dam and Lake Walcott are receiving from above. At 416 cfs, flows reflect typical late-October post-irrigation-season recession. This is the point in the calendar when Snake River flows upstream of Minidoka are at their seasonal low before winter precipitation and eventual snowmelt begin rebuilding supply. No delivery curtailment context is provided in current data; irrigators should confirm end-of-season operational status directly with Minidoka Irrigation District.

Seasonal Guidance

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Data Sources: SNOTEL data through October 25, 2026; USGS streamflow data through October 26, 2026

Data Current As Of: October 26, 2026; Idaho Department of Water Resources (Eastern Regional Office, Pocatello, (208) 525-7161)

Important Disclaimers: This brief provides automated analysis for informational purposes only. Specific numerical claims have not been independently verified. Consult official sources including Minidoka Irrigation District (primary delivery entity receiving water from Minidoka Dam diversions), U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Pacific Northwest Region — Boise office (operates Minidoka Dam and Lake Walcott; primary federal water manager for the Minidoka Project; also administers American Falls Reservoir and Palisades Reservoir upstream context), and Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR, Water District 36) for regulatory decisions and water rights administration.