ILLINOIS RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: January 2, 2026

The state of Illinois monitors a variety of reservoirs and dams, which are integral to water management, flood control, and ecosystem balance. Three key reservoirs, Channel Lake near Antioch, Fox Lake near Lake Villa, and Nippersink Lake at Fox Lake, have reported their latest observations, which are crucial in understanding current water conditions. The average gage height, a measure of the water level against a standard datum, for Channel Lake is typically 4.15 feet, Fox Lake averages at 3.91 feet, and Nippersink Lake at 3.85 feet. Unfortunately, the current reading for Channel Lake seems to be unavailable, with data entry showing an error coded as -999999. This implies a potential issue with data collection or transmission for Channel Lake; however, the other two lakes, Fox Lake and Nippersink Lake, are both currently at a gage height of 2 feet, notably below their average levels for this time of year.

The reduced water levels in Fox Lake and Nippersink Lake might indicate abnormal conditions. This deviation can be attributed to factors such as lower-than-expected snowpack melting, reduced precipitation or changes in river flows. It is essential to cross-verify these numbers with multiple data sources, but given the lack of additional source data provided, the specifics remain uncertain. Nonetheless, these lower levels may have implications for local water supply, recreational activities, and ecological health. It's also possible that the observed conditions could lead to adjustments in water management policies or the implementation of conservation measures. To gain a comprehensive understanding of these anomalies, further study and continuous observation of the Illinois dams and reservoirs are recommended. This should include an investigation into the failed data for Channel Lake to ensure proper monitoring and the maintenance of the state's water infrastructure.

Illinois has several reservoirs and dams, primarily used for flood control, municipal water supply, and recreational activities. Major reservoirs in the state include Lake Shelbyville, Lake Springfield, Lake Decatur, and Rend Lake. These reservoirs receive water from various streams and rivers, including the Kaskaskia River, Sangamon River, and the Little Wabash River. Snowpack and mountains are not significant factors in Illinois hydrology, as the state has a relatively flat landscape. However, seasonal trends can affect water levels, with higher precipitation in the spring and lower levels in the summer. Drought conditions can also impact reservoir levels, with Lake Shelbyville experiencing record low levels in 2012 due to a severe drought. Overall, Illinois' reservoirs and dams play a critical role in managing water resources for the state's population and economy.

Illinois has several reservoirs and dams, primarily used for flood control, municipal water supply, and recreational activities. Major reservoirs in the state include Lake Shelbyville, Lake Springfield, Lake Decatur, and Rend Lake. These reservoirs receive water from various streams and rivers, including the Kaskaskia River, Sangamon River, and the Little Wabash River. Snowpack and mountains are not significant factors in Illinois hydrology, as the state has a relatively flat landscape. However, seasonal trends can affect water levels, with higher precipitation in the spring and lower levels in the summer. Drought conditions can also impact reservoir levels, with Lake Shelbyville experiencing record low levels in 2012 due to a severe drought. Overall, Illinois' reservoirs and dams play a critical role in managing water resources for the state's population and economy.