Washington County, UT — Water Intelligence Brief

September 14, 2026 | Free-Tier Edition

Washington County Water Conservancy District Service Area | Virgin River Basin

Situation Summary

Virgin River system flows are falling across all active gauges this week, with the mainstem at Virgin recording 70 cfs and declining, and Santa Clara River at St. George dropping to 6 cfs — conditions that reflect the tail end of late-summer monsoon contributions and the onset of seasonal low-flow. For WCWCD planners and municipal water managers, Quail Creek and Sand Hollow reservoirs remain the primary surface water buffer as river deliveries tighten into the fall demand period. Reservoir storage data and 7-day forecast details are available in the full brief.

Snowpack Conditions

All five SNOTEL stations in the Virgin River basin headwaters are reporting at or near zero snow water equivalent (SWE) and zero snow depth as of September 13, 2026 — consistent with normal seasonal conditions for mid-September, when median SWE values are also at or near zero at these elevations.

| Station | SWE | Depth |

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

| Gardner Peak | 0.2" | 0.0" |

| Gutz Peak | 0.0" | 0.0" |

| Kolob | 0.0" | N/A |

| Long Valley Jct | 0.0" | 0.0" |

| Webster Flat | 0.0" | N/A |

The minor SWE reading at Gardner Peak (0.2") does not represent meaningful storage. The operationally significant snowpack story for 2026 is timing: an anomalous March heat wave caused these stations to melt out approximately 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date, pulling the primary spring recharge pulse significantly earlier in the calendar year. That early meltout is background context at this point in the season — its supply implications are now reflected in current streamflow trajectories and reservoir conditions, not in present snowpack readings.

Washington County's SNOTEL network is sparse relative to northern Utah counties. Municipal and water district planners should acknowledge this as a monitoring limitation in the Virgin River basin headwaters, and cross-reference NRCS basin outlook products for supplemental basin-wide context.

Streamflow Conditions

Virgin River system flows are broadly declining across all active gauges as of September 13–14, 2026. The mainstem Virgin River at Virgin (70 cfs, falling) and above La Verkin Creek near La Verkin (35 cfs, falling) show the typical late-season profile, with downstream flows partially attenuated by agricultural diversions and tributary contributions. The East Fork Virgin River near Springdale (55 cfs, stable) is the strongest individual tributary reading and the one gauge showing no current downward trend — a modestly positive signal for near-term system delivery.

The North Fork Virgin River near Springdale (35 cfs, falling) adds to mainstem volume below the forks but is on a declining trajectory. Santa Clara River conditions are the most constrained in the system: the St. George gauge records only 6 cfs (falling) and the upstream Pine Valley gauge shows 3 cfs (falling), indicating very limited flow available for lower Santa Clara system users and Gunlock Reservoir contributions.

For WCWCD operations, the declining trend across five of six active gauges confirms that the system is moving through its seasonal low-flow transition period. No gauges are reporting anomalously elevated flows that would suggest active monsoon pulse contributions at this time.

Seasonal Guidance

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

Data Sources: SNOTEL data through September 13, 2026; USGS streamflow data through September 14, 2026.

Data Current As Of: September 14, 2026. Administrative water rights information current as of Utah Division of Water Rights records.

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, Washington County Water Conservancy District (WCWCD — primary water authority for Quail Creek and Sand Hollow reservoirs), and Utah Division of Water Rights for regulatory decisions and water rights administration. Washington County lies within the Lower Colorado River Basin (Virgin River to Lake Mead, HUC 15); Colorado River Compact obligations and Lower Basin shortage conditions are ongoing policy context for long-term supply planning. The Lake Powell Pipeline proposal remains dormant pending federal review and Colorado River system conditions. Shivwits Band of Paiutes water rights are an active component of Washington County water administration. Navajo Sandstone aquifer users should verify groundwater rights with Utah Division of Water Rights before expanding pumping.