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This probabilistic forecast is issued by the North Central River Forecast Center.
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Mapping
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About this graph
Forecasts for the Illinois River at Ottawa are issued as needed during times of high water, but are not routinely available.
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Upstream Gauge - at Marseilles Lock (tailwater) Upstream Gauge Downstream Gauge Downstream Gauge - at Starved Rock Lock (tailwater)
Zoom Level:16
Flood Categories (in feet)
Major Flood Stage: 471
Moderate Flood Stage: 467
Flood Stage: 463
Action Stage: 461
Low Stage (in feet): 456.5

Historic Crests
(1) 473.72 ft on 04/19/2013
(2) 472.59 ft on 05/19/2020
(3) 472.21 ft on 09/16/2008
(4) 471.49 ft on 02/22/2018
(5) 470.83 ft on 05/02/2019
Show More Historic Crests

(P): Preliminary values subject to further review.

Recent Crests
(1) 472.59 ft on 05/19/2020
(2) 470.83 ft on 05/02/2019
(3) 471.49 ft on 02/22/2018
(4) 463.65 ft on 10/16/2017
(5) 464.10 ft on 07/23/2017
Show More Recent Crests

(P): Preliminary values subject to further review.

Low Water Records
(1) 458.62 ft on 11/26/2018
(2) 458.65 ft on 01/22/2019
(3) 458.82 ft on 09/03/2017
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Gauge LocationGauge Map Marker
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 Collapse
If you notice any errors in the below information, please contact our Webmaster
476 Water reaches the top of the levee at Ottawa High School.
475.5 Backwater causes the Fox River to reach the top of the flood protection wall south of Main Street near Ottawa High School. Water inundates lower-level of residences at Heritage Harbor east of Ottawa.
474.5 Backwater causes the Fox River to reach the top of the levee at Ottawa High School.
474 Structures threatened at Shoreline Boat Club in Ottawa. Main Street at Fox River in Ottawa is threatened and may be closed, blocking the last primary evacuation route for east Ottawa. Water overtops the berm at Waste Water Treatment Plant.
472 West parking lot of St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa is inundated.
471.5 Water reaches top of levee at Ottawa Waste Water Treatment Plant. Backwater causes the Fox River to inundate the YMCA parking lot in Ottawa.
470 Shabbona Street near Ottawa High School is inundated. St. Elizabeth Medical Center property in Ottawa is threatened including the loading dock areas.
469 Backwater causes the Fox River to reach bankfull near the YMCA in Ottawa.
468 River Rescue structure threatened in Ottawa.
467 Green Street near Shoreline Boat Club in Ottawa is inundated, blocking a primary evacuation route for east Ottawa.
466.5 Low-lying sections of Fox River Park in Ottawa are inundated including Hudson Street River Walk. St. Clair Street is threatened in Ottawa.
465.5 Low-lying property near St. Elizabeth Medical Center is threatened. Marquette High School football field threatened.
465 Harbor Walk in Heritage Harbor east of Ottawa is inundated.
464 Backwater causes the Fox River to reach bankfull near St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa.
462.5 Roadway entrance to Allen Park threatened in Ottawa. Allen Park west boat ramp inundated in Ottawa.
461 River Rescue boat dock inundated in Ottawa.
Photos
(1) Gage equipment located on top of levee near mouth of Fox River.
(2) Levee at Ottawa High School.
(3) Looking downstream from atop levee 9/3/2009. Gage height 459.80 ft.
(4) Looking upstream from atop levee 9/3/2009. Gage height 459.80 ft.
Low Water Impacts Collapse
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456.5 Low water levels begin to impact shipping interests along the river.

Other Real-time and/or Archive Data Sources:

Additional Information Collapse
How much forecast precipitation was used for the current river forecast?
Collaborative Agencies Collapse
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
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Romeoville, IL 60446
(815) 834-1435
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Page last modified: 2-Nov-2020 7:29 PM
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