National Weather Service Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service

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Weather Forecast Office Chicago, IL

North Central River Forecast Center

Hydrograph

River at a Glance

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About this graph

Tabular Data (UTC)

Tabular Data (CDT)

Datum: NAVD88

Metadata

NOTE: Graphical forecasts are not available for the Chicago River at Chicago (Columbus Dr). During times of high water, forecast crest information can be found in the text products.

Return to Area Map

Upstream Gauge

Flood Categories (in feet)

Major Flood Stage:	5
Moderate Flood Stage:	4
Flood Stage:	3
Action Stage:	1
Low Stage (in feet):	-4

Historic Crests
(1) 5.50 ft on 10/10/1954
(2) 5.12 ft on 05/17/2020
(3) 4.72 ft on 07/24/2010
(4) 4.20 ft on 08/16/1997 (P)
(5) 3.99 ft on 07/23/2011
Show More Historic Crests

(P): Preliminary values subject to further review.

Recent Crests
(1) 5.12 ft on 05/17/2020
(2) 1.93 ft on 05/01/2019
(3) 1.04 ft on 02/21/2018
(4) 3.37 ft on 10/14/2017
(5) 3.16 ft on 06/15/2015
Show More Recent Crests

(P): Preliminary values subject to further review.

Low Water Records
(1) -4.50 ft on 06/28/2011
(2) -4.20 ft on 03/14/2011
(3) -4.10 ft on 09/20/2013
(4) -4.10 ft on 03/07/2009

Zoom Level:16

	Gauge Location	Disclaimer
Latitude/Longitude Disclaimer: The gauge location shown in the above map is the approximate location based on the latitude/longitude coordinates provided to the NWS by the gauge owner.

Flood Impacts & Photos

If you notice any errors in the below information, please contact our Webmaster
6	Numerous structures flooded near the river in the River West, River North, and West Loop neighborhoods.
5	Lower level of office towers may be threatened near the river. Low-lying sections of River Esplanade Park are threatened including Centennial Fountain.
4	Lower Wacker Drive is threatened.
3.5	Commercial areas of the Chicago Riverwalk are threatened.
3	Numerous stretches of the Chicago Riverwalk are threatened. USACE and MWRD consider opening of Chicago Lock to reduce flood impacts, depending on the water level of Lake Michigan.
2	Low-lying sections of the Chicago Riverwalk are threatened.
1	City of Chicago considers closure of the Chicago Riverwalk.
Photos (1) 05/17/2020, 4.5ft. Chicago River near Chicago Lock. Credit: City of Chicago

Low Water Impacts

If you notice any errors in the below information, please contact our Webmaster

-4	Low water levels begin to impact shipping interests along the river.

About This Location

Latitude: 41.888333° N, Longitude: 87.621111° W, Horizontal Datum: NAD27

River Stage Reference Frame	Gauge Height	Flood Stage	Uses
NWS stage	0 ft	3 ft	Interpreting hydrographs and NWS watch, warnings, and forecasts, and inundation maps
Vertical Datum	Elevation (gauge height = 0)	Elevation (gauge height = flood stage)	Elevation information source
NAVD88	579.20	582.20	Survey grade GPS equipment, FEMA flood plain maps, newer USGS topographic maps
NGVD 29	579.48	582.48	Older USGS topographic maps, NGVD29 benchmarks
MSL	Not Available	Not Available	Older USGS topographic maps, MSL benchmarks
Other	0.0	3.0	Chicago City Datum

Current/Historical Observations:

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Data and Site Info for Chicago (Columbus Dr)

Additional Information

This gage is on the "Chicago City Datum" (CCD). This causes stages at this gauge to often be reported as negative. Stages are not the same as river depth.

Resources

Hydrologic Resources

Additional Resources

Collaborative Agencies

The National Weather Service prepares its forecasts and other services in collaboration with agencies like the US Geological Survey, US Bureau of Reclamation, US Army Corps of Engineers, Natural Resource Conservation Service, National Park Service, ALERT Users Group, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and many state and local emergency managers across the country. For details, please click here.

NWS Information

National Weather Service
Chicago Weather Forecast Office
333 W. University Dr.
Romeoville, IL 60446
(815) 834-1435
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Page last modified: 2-Nov-2020 7:29 PM

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