Wasatch County Water Intelligence Brief

September 21, 2026 | Free-Tier Edition

Situation Summary

Provo River flows in the Heber Valley are currently running at 278–282 cfs and rising at upper and mid-system gauges, while the Hailstone reach reads 47 cfs and rising — conditions that reflect late-season base flows supported by recent precipitation rather than snowmelt-driven supply. For Heber Valley irrigators, this week's rising trend offers a modest window for late-season alfalfa and hay field applications, though the trajectory into October will depend on continued precipitation rather than any remaining snowpack reserve. Reservoir storage data and 7-day forecast details are available in the full brief.

Snowpack Conditions

Important disclosure: The three SNOTEL stations physically located within Wasatch County — Currant Creek, Daniels-Strawberry, and White River #1 — all drain eastward to the Colorado River basin via the Duchesne River drainage. They do not monitor snowpack contributing to the Provo River system or Heber Valley water users, and are excluded from this brief. Primary Provo River basin snowpack indicators are Trial Lake (Summit County, reporting since 1978) and Beaver Divide (Summit County, reporting since 1978). Wolf Creek Peak (Wasatch County) does drain to the Provo River basin but carries a short record — reporting only since August 2020, less than six years — and should be interpreted with that limitation in mind.

Current readings as of September 20, 2026:

All three stations show zero snow water equivalent. Because the historical median SWE for this date is also 0.0" at each station, these readings represent normal seasonal conditions for late September — not a below-normal signal. The 1.0" snow depth at Wolf Creek Peak without measurable SWE likely reflects very early, low-density snow or instrument artifact; no water content is recorded. Background context: the 2026 snowpack melted out 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date, driven by an anomalous March heat wave. That early meltout is a completed seasonal event; any current supply implications are now expressed through streamflow and reservoir conditions rather than snowpack.

Streamflow Conditions

Three USGS gauges monitor the Provo River system through Wasatch County as of September 21, 2026:

The upper and mid-valley gauges at Heber City and Charleston are reading nearly identically at 278–282 cfs, suggesting relatively uniform flow through that reach with minimal loss or gain between the two measurement points. The Hailstone gauge at 47 cfs — substantially lower — reflects diversions and system dynamics downstream of the Charleston station. All three gauges show a rising trend, which is a notable late-season signal. Rising flows in mid-to-late September typically indicate recent precipitation input rather than stored snowmelt, and should not be interpreted as a sustained supply indicator without further context on precipitation totals and antecedent conditions. Heber Valley irrigators with active headgates should confirm current diversion rates with their ditch company or the Provo River Water Users Association before adjusting late-season schedules based on this trend alone.

Seasonal Guidance

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Data Sources: SNOTEL data through September 20, 2026; USGS streamflow data through September 21, 2026. NRCS SNOTEL network (3 stations); USGS National Water Information System (3 gauges).

Data Current As Of: September 21, 2026. Utah Division of Water Rights records current as of date of publication.

Important Disclaimers: This brief provides automated analysis for informational purposes only. Specific numerical claims have not been independently verified. Station-level data reflects point observations and may not represent conditions across the full watershed. Wolf Creek Peak SNOTEL data should be interpreted with caution given its short record (since August 2020). Consult official sources including your local water district, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Upper Colorado Region (for Deer Creek, Jordanelle, and Strawberry Reservoir operations), Provo River Water Users Association, and Utah Division of Water Rights for regulatory decisions and water rights administration. This brief does not constitute legal, engineering, or water rights advice.