ILLINOIS FLOW REPORT

Last Updated: January 23, 2026

In Illinois, river enthusiasts and water resource managers should note significant variances in river and streamflow conditions. As of current measurements, Illinois rivers exhibit a mix of below-normal streamflows and localized spikes that may concern flood-watchers. For example, the Wabash River at Mt. Carmel shows a flow rate of 5620 cubic feet per second (cfs), which is 87.06% below the norm, while the Little Wabash River at Carmi is operating at a stark 97.35% below normal, with a flow of just 139 cfs. Conversely, the Kishwaukee River near Perryville has seen an impressive 136.79% streamflow increase over the last 24 hours, now flowing at 1210 cfs, which is 22.47% above the seasonal average. This could influence conditions downstream, potentially affecting communities and popular river trails around Perryville.

Additionally, significant streamflow changes have been observed in other rivers, indicating potential hydrological concerns. The Rock River at Como is up by 61.95% from the previous day, with a current flow of 6980 cfs. While this is slightly below the normal range, such a rapid increase may signal flooding potential near Como and downstream regions, such as Byron, where there's already a notable reduction in flow. Meanwhile, the Illinois River at Marseilles has shown an increase to 7940 cfs, which is closer to normal but still bears monitoring. Despite these fluctuations, the Mississippi River at Thebes is currently flowing at 79500 cfs, which is below the expected level by 51.94%, reflecting broader regional patterns. These data points are critical for residents near affected areas and those who frequent Illinois' whitewater trails, as they can indicate both potential recreational opportunities and risks.