Weld County Water Intelligence Brief

July 20, 2026 | Free-Tier Edition | Water Division 1

Situation Summary

Weld County's two-river system — the South Platte mainstem and Cache la Poudre — is delivering measurable but limited midsummer flow, reflecting a 2026 season defined by an anomalous March heat wave that drove snowmelt 4–6 weeks ahead of historical median meltout dates across the Cache la Poudre headwaters. C-BT supplemental supply status and upstream reservoir storage are critical variables shaping the remainder of the irrigation season for allotment holders and direct-flow right holders alike. Reservoir storage data, 7-day forecast details, and Water Division 1 call status analysis are available in the full brief.

Snowpack Conditions

All three SNOTEL stations monitoring the Cache la Poudre headwaters in Larimer County — the primary snowpack source for Weld County's northern agricultural corridor — are reporting zero snow water equivalent and zero snow depth as of July 19, 2026.

No percent-of-median figures are reported for these stations, which means the historical median SWE for this calendar date is also at or near zero — conditions at Deadman Hill and Hourglass Lake are at their normal seasonal state for mid-July. Joe Wright's trace reading (0.1" SWE, 5.0" depth) represents a minor remnant and is not operationally significant. The critical signal for 2026 is not today's readings but meltout timing: these stations melted out 4–6 weeks ahead of the historical median meltout date, meaning snowmelt-driven Poudre River runoff peaked significantly earlier in the season than normal. New snowmelt contributions to streamflow are effectively exhausted. South Platte basin headwaters snowpack — including the Blue River corridor and upper Platte drainages feeding Carter Lake and the broader metro system — is an additional upstream variable not captured by these three stations.

Streamflow Conditions

Cache la Poudre River

The Poudre system is showing modest but rising flows at both active upstream gauges:

The Timnath gauge (above Boxelder Creek) is the closest active monitoring point to where the Poudre enters Weld County and provides the most direct signal for northern Weld County irrigators relying on Poudre deliveries. At 6 cfs, available flow at this location is limited. The rising trend at both stations is a modest positive signal but does not represent snowmelt-driven runoff at this stage of the season. Northern Weld County users served by Poudre-connected canal systems — including the Cache la Poudre Irrigating Canal and associated infrastructure — should monitor this gauge closely given the low absolute flow volumes.

South Platte River Mainstem

The Fort Lupton gauge is the active primary mainstem indicator for Weld County on the South Platte. At 39 cfs and falling, mainstem flows are limited for mid-July, a period of peak irrigation demand for sugar beets, field corn, and other high-value crops. The falling trend warrants attention for junior direct-flow right holders whose diversions are most exposed to curtailment as flows decline. Senior downstream rights — some dating to the 1860s and 1870s — retain priority under Water Division 1 administration, and return flow dynamics on the lower South Platte add complexity to the overall administration picture.

Seasonal Guidance

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

Data Current As Of: July 20, 2026 | Colorado Division of Water Resources, Water Division 1

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, Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District (Northern Water — administers C-BT Project; Horsetooth Reservoir data via Northern Water portal at northernwater.org or USBR HydroMet site HRT), U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Eastern Colorado Area Office (Loveland, CO), and Colorado Division of Water Resources Water Division 1 (Greeley office) for regulatory decisions and water rights administration. This brief does not constitute legal, engineering, or water rights advice.