Kankakee River At Davis flow report
As of July 14, 2026, Kankakee River At Davis is flowing at 611 cfs with a gage height of 6.61 ft, receding 6% over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #05515500, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Kankakee River At Davis at a glance
How Kankakee River At Davis is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Kankakee River At Davis is flowing at 611 cfs, with the water sitting 6.61 ft at the gage. Flow is down 6% since yesterday as the gauge recedes.
This is USGS gauge #05515500 in Indiana. Over the past 10 days the average has been 863 cfs, peaking at 1,150 cfs.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the Indiana flow report.
Streamflow Forecast
Over the next 5 days, Kankakee River At Davis is expected to recede from today's 611 cfs, toward roughly 547 cfs by 2026-07-19 (likely range 351-851 cfs) -- drier than normal for the date.
Powered by PULSE — Snoflo’s forecast engine, trained on this gauge’s full record of storms, snowmelt, and dry spells.
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.
Kankakee River At Davis
The river is fed by multiple tributaries and is dammed in some sections. Seasonal trends show higher water levels in the spring due to snowmelt and rainfall, while lower levels occur in the summer and fall. Interesting facts about the river's hydrology include its historical importance as a transportation route and the impact of human activities on its water quality. The river also provides recreational opportunities for fishing, boating, and hiking. Overall, the Kankakee River at Davis, IN stream gauge provides valuable data for understanding the health and behavior of this important waterway.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Kankakee River At Davis's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Kankakee River At Davis | 611 cfs |
| Yellow River At Knox | 474 cfs |
| Tippecanoe River Near Ora | 501 cfs |
| Kankakee River At Dunns Bridge | 1,790 cfs |
| Kankakee River Nr Kouts | 1,910 cfs |
| Yellow River At Plymouth | 265 cfs |
Nearby snowpack data
Snowpack at SNOTEL stations near Kankakee River At Davis. 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 |
|---|---|
| Wanatah 4.4 Ese | 0 in |
| Knox Wwtp | 0 in |
| La Porte 1.6 Sw | 0 in |
| Walkerton 5.7 Ene | 0 in |
| Valparaiso 0.9 Nnw | 0 in |
| Chesterton 4.2 E | 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 Kankakee River At Davis in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Kankakee River At Davis crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Kankakee River At Davis
Where does the streamflow data for Kankakee River At Davis come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 05515500. 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 Kankakee River At Davis 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 Kankakee River At Davis report
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