Last Updated: December 24, 2025
Indiana's river conditions exhibit a mix of declining flow trends and isolated increases, indicative of seasonal shifts and potential water management concerns for river enthusiasts. Notably, the Wabash River, a staple for Indiana's waterways, shows decreased streamflow across multiple locations. For instance, the Wabash River at Peru has seen a significant drop to 296 cubic feet per second (cfs), a sharp 90.25% decrease from normal levels, with a current gage height of 4.71 feet. Such reduced flows are also evident in the East Fork White River at Seymour, where the streamflow has dwindled to 1560 cfs, a 69.34% decrease, with a corresponding gage height of 5.1 feet. These sustained low flows may impact recreational activities, local ecology, and water availability.
In contrast, some rivers like the Tippecanoe at Buffalo maintain near-normal levels, with a current streamflow of 651 cfs, only 2.23% below normal, and a healthy gage height of 7.57 feet, indicating stability in that watershed. However, an alarming increase in the Indiana Harbor Canal at East Chicago shows a 648.23% surge in the last 24 hours to a streamflow of 211 cfs, which could point towards abnormal runoff events or industrial discharge. Furthermore, Trail Creek at Michigan City Harbor is approaching above-normal flow at 90.69% of the expected level, with a streamflow of 529 cfs. This could hint at potential flooding risks or prime conditions for whitewater enthusiasts, depending on the trend's persistence. While river goers in cities like Gary, Portage, and Michigan City should remain attentive to such fluctuations, they should also consider the overall lower streamflow trends across Indiana's rivers, which may limit water-based recreation and warrant increased conservation measures in the coming months.
Indiana is a state with a diverse range of hydrological features, including major rivers like the Ohio, Wabash, and White, as well as numerous smaller tributaries and streams. The state's reservoirs and dams also play an important role in managing water resources and providing hydroelectric power. Climate conditions vary widely across Indiana, with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Precipitation is generally evenly distributed throughout the year, with occasional severe weather events like floods and droughts. In terms of snowpack, the state typically receives moderate levels of snowfall, which can impact river flows and water availability in the spring. Overall, the complex interplay of factors like climate, topography, and land use make water management a crucial issue for Indiana's communities and ecosystems.
Residents of Indiana, particularly those in south central parts of the state, are advised to exercise caution due to dense fog conditions with visibility reduced to one-quarter mile or less, making driving hazardous. The National Weather Service has issued Dense Fog Advisories for several regions, including portions of central, east central, south central, southeast, southwest, and west central Indiana, effective until 9 AM EST this morning. Patchy fog is also observed in northern central Indiana with visibility dropping significantly over short distances. Drivers are urged to slow down, use headlights, and allow extra time to reach destinations safely. Be particularly careful in low-lying areas and near bodies of water where visibility may suddenly drop.