Nippersink Creek Above Wonder Lake Flow Report
As of July 16, 2026, Nippersink Creek Above Wonder Lake is flowing at 12 cfs with a gage height of 4.65 ft, receding 12% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #05548105, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Nippersink Creek Above Wonder Lake at a glance
How Nippersink Creek Above Wonder Lake is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Nippersink Creek Above Wonder Lake is flowing at 12 cfs, with the water sitting 4.65 ft at the gage. Flow is down 12% since yesterday as the gauge recedes.
This is USGS gauge #05548105 in Illinois. Over the past 10 days the average has been 18 cfs, peaking at 25 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Illinois flow report.
Engineering Data
Flow-duration statistics and observed peak-flow context computed from this gauge’s complete daily record (USGS #05548105).
Percentiles are flow-duration values computed from this gauge’s observed daily record as archived by Snoflo. Return periods are Weibull plotting-position estimates from observed annual maxima, provided as general reference context only. Always verify against official USGS NWIS records. Part of Snoflo for Engineering.
Streamflow Forecast
Over the next 5 days, Nippersink Creek Above Wonder Lake is expected to hold near today's 12 cfs, toward roughly 12 cfs by 2026-07-21 (likely range 4-40 cfs) -- running well below the seasonal normal.
Powered by PULSE — Snoflo’s forecast engine, trained on this gauge’s full record of storms, snowmelt, and dry spells.
| Date | Expected (p50) | Likely range (p25–p75) | vs normal | Projected stage |
|---|
How does this compare to past years?
Year-over-year overlay, annual peak discharge, the full distribution of daily flows on record, and the gauge's rating curve.
Weather Forecast
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day forecast
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nippersink Creek Above Wonder Lake
The gauge measures flow rates, which are impacted by precipitation, snowmelt, land use changes, and groundwater inputs. The watershed is fed by several major tributaries, including the Kishwaukee River, Squaw Creek, and Nippersink Creek South Branch. There are several dams that can affect flow rates, including the Wonder Lake Dam and the Pistakee Lake Dam. Seasonal trends show that flow rates are highest in the spring and lowest in the late summer and early fall. Interestingly, the Nippersink Creek watershed is known for its rare plant and animal species, including the western chorus frog and the Blanding's turtle.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Nippersink Creek Above Wonder Lake's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Nippersink Creek Above Wonder Lake | 12 cfs |
| Boone Creek Near Mc Henry | 3 cfs |
| Nippersink Creek Near Spring Grove | 84 cfs |
| White River At Center Street At Lake Geneva | 0 cfs |
| Fox River At Algonquin | 725 cfs |
| Fox River At Algonquin (Tailwater) | 553 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Nippersink Creek Above Wonder Lake. Spring snowmelt is the dominant driver of streamflow in mountain basins -- a deep snowpack upstream means more runoff later in the season.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Wonder Lake 0.8 Wnw | 0 in |
| Bull Valley 2.5 Wnw | 0 in |
| Hebron | 0 in |
| Crystal Lake | 0 in |
| Woodstock 3.8 Sw | 0 in |
| Cary 0.3 Ne | 0 in |
River levels & flood safety
- Read the level before you go
- A river that's runnable at one flow can be deadly at another. Check current discharge and gage height — like the values shown above — against the flood-stage thresholds, and remember levels can spike fast after rain or a dam release.
- Respect cold water
- Snowmelt rivers run cold even in summer. Sudden immersion triggers cold-water shock and saps strength within minutes. Wear a PFD, dress for the water temperature (not the air), and never wade or paddle alone.
- Watch for swiftwater hazards
- Strainers (downed trees), undercut rocks, and low-head dams are the deadliest features on moving water. High, fast, muddy water hides them. If in doubt, scout from shore and portage.
- Mind flash floods & releases
- Narrow canyons can flood from a storm miles upstream, and dam-controlled reaches can rise without warning. Know the forecast, the release schedule, and your exit before you launch.
Track Nippersink Creek Above Wonder Lake in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Nippersink Creek Above Wonder Lake crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Nippersink Creek Above Wonder Lake
Where does the streamflow data for Nippersink Creek Above Wonder Lake come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 05548105. Snoflo refreshes the time series throughout the day. Forecasts come from the NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
USGS gauges report continuously (typically every 15 minutes). Snoflo pulls fresh values throughout the day — look for the "as of" timestamp on the streamflow hero card.
What's the difference between discharge and gage height?
Discharge (cubic feet per second, or cfs) is the volume of water flowing past the gauge each second. Gage height is how high the water sits at the gauge (feet). They're related by a rating curve specific to each gauge — higher water means more flow, but the exact ratio depends on channel shape.
How is "percent of median" calculated?
Today's discharge is compared to the historical median discharge on this calendar day across the gauge's full record. 100% = right on median; 200% = a very high year; 30% = a drought-level low.
What are flood stages, and is this river safe right now?
Flood stages are NWS-defined gage-height thresholds — Action, Minor, Moderate, Major — marking when nearby roads or floodplains start to be affected. "Safe" depends on your activity and skill: a level that's a fun paddle for an expert can be lethal for a wader. Always check the current level against the thresholds above and the safety links, and when in doubt, stay off the water.
Can I get alerts when Nippersink Creek Above Wonder Lake rises?
Yes — flow alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this gauge, set a streamflow threshold (e.g. "alert me when discharge crosses 5,000 cfs"), and you'll get a push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
Access the free Nippersink Creek Above Wonder Lake report
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