Weber County Water Intelligence Brief

July 20, 2026 | Free-Tier Edition

Situation Summary

The Weber-Ogden basin entered the 2026 irrigation season under significant stress: Ben Lomond Peak station melted out 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date, and peak SWE this water year ran approximately 13 inches below normal — placing this basin among the most stressed in Utah in 2026. Pineview Reservoir's storage trajectory is the defining variable for Ogden Valley irrigators this season, with release schedules directly governing what dairy, hay, and alfalfa operations in the Huntsville and Eden areas receive day to day. Reservoir storage data and 7-day forecast details are available in the full brief.

Snowpack Conditions

Both SNOTEL stations reporting for the Weber County area show fully melted conditions as of July 19, 2026:

At this point in the calendar, a median SWE reading for both stations is also 0.0" — meaning today's readings are consistent with normal seasonal conditions for mid-July. The critical signal for 2026 is not current SWE but meltout timing: these stations melted out 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date, meaning the seasonal snowmelt pulse that recharges Pineview Reservoir and drives Ogden River flows arrived and concluded well before typical. No additional snowmelt-driven recharge is available for the remainder of the irrigation season. Ogden Valley operators should plan accordingly — the snowpack contribution to late-season supply is spent.

Streamflow Conditions

Three USGS gauges are active in the Weber River basin as of July 20, 2026:

The Ogden River below Pineview gauge is the critical agricultural supply indicator for Ogden Valley dairy, hay, and alfalfa operators — it directly reflects Pineview Reservoir release volumes. At 244 cfs and falling, releases remain active but the declining trend warrants close monitoring against current crop demand. Ogden Valley irrigators should track this gauge in coordination with Pineview release schedules published by Weber Basin Water Conservancy District.

The Weber River at Ogden (79 cfs, rising) serves as the basin integrator gauge, capturing total system flow after all upstream diversions and reservoir operations. The divergence between the Gateway reading (243 cfs) and the Ogden reading (79 cfs) reflects significant consumptive use and diversion activity between those two points. The Weber River is a major inflow source to the Great Salt Lake; current basin-wide consumptive patterns have downstream implications for GSL elevation.

Seasonal Guidance

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

Data Sources: SNOTEL data through July 19, 2026; USGS streamflow data through July 20, 2026

Data Current As Of: July 20, 2026

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, Weber Basin Water Conservancy District (WBWCD — primary water authority managing the Weber Basin Project: Pineview, Echo, Rockport, Lost Creek, and East Canyon reservoirs), U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Upper Colorado Region, for Pineview Reservoir operations), Ogden River Water Users Association, and Utah Division of Water Rights for regulatory decisions and water rights administration.