Sevier County Water Intelligence Brief

October 26, 2026 | Sevier River Basin

Situation Summary

Sevier River flows are rising at multiple gauges this week, with the river near Kingston registering 116 cfs and the Hatch gauge at 82 cfs — conditions that reflect active late-October runoff contributing to basin streamflows ahead of the winter storage season. With the primary irrigation season winding down, water managers should focus on end-of-season accounting and early positioning for 2027 reservoir storage. Reservoir storage data and 7-day forecast details are available in the full brief.

Snowpack Conditions

The Sevier River Basin enters the early snowpack accumulation window with one active SNOTEL station reporting.

Farnsworth Lake (reading through October 25) shows 1.0" snow water equivalent (SWE) against a median of 0.6" — placing the station at 166% of median for this date, with a snow depth of 3.0". This is an encouraging early-season signal, indicating above-normal accumulation has begun at this elevation. The 2026 season was characterized by an anomalous March heat wave that drove meltout 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date across the Mountain West — that early-season dynamic is now background context as the basin transitions into the 2026–2027 accumulation period.

Early-season SWE percentages carry limited predictive weight for spring supply, as a single October storm can produce readings well above median before the primary accumulation months of January through March. However, the above-median reading at Farnsworth Lake is a positive opening data point for the coming season.

Streamflow Conditions

Five USGS gauges provide coverage across the Sevier River Basin, with a mix of active readings and one data gap.

Sevier River near Kingston is the highest-volume gauge currently reporting, at 116 cfs with a rising trend as of October 26. This is the primary mid-basin indicator and suggests active inflow contributions to the river corridor.

Sevier River at Hatch is reporting 82 cfs, rising, reflecting similar upward momentum in the upper basin reach. The rising signal at both Hatch and Kingston is consistent with late-October precipitation or snowmelt recharge entering the system.

Sevier River near Lynndyl — the lower-basin gauge — is reading 30 cfs, rising. The lower flow volume at Lynndyl compared to upstream gauges reflects diversions, consumptive use, and channel losses along the mainstem, which is typical for this basin. The rising trend at Lynndyl mirrors the upper-basin signal.

Manti Creek below Dugway Creek, near Manti is reporting 4 cfs, stable. This tributary gauge provides the only active in-county streamflow reading for the Sanpete drainage feeding into the broader Sevier system. The stable reading suggests modest but consistent baseflow conditions on this tributary as the irrigation season closes.

Sevier River near Sigurd has no recent flow data available as of October 26. This is a notable gap in mid-basin coverage; water managers relying on this reach for operational decisions should contact the Utah Division of Water Resources or consult adjacent gauge readings for interpolation.

Overall, the basin streamflow picture is one of rising late-season flows across the mainstem — a constructive condition for late-season reservoir filling opportunities heading into winter.

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: 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, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, and Utah Division of Water Rights for regulatory decisions and water rights administration.