KANKAKEE RIVER

RIVER LEVELS
December 24, 2024
41.17, -87.53


TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE

Total streamflow across the Kankakee River was last observed at 5,263 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 10,439 acre-ft of water today; about 47% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 11,100 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2018-02-22 when daily discharge volume was observed at 79,130 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Kankakee River Near Wilmington reporting a streamflow rate of 1,370 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Kankakee River At Davis with a gauge stage of 5.47 ft. This river is monitored from 6 different streamgauging stations along the Kankakee River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 682 ft, the Kankakee River At Davis.

The Kankakee River is a 133-mile river that flows through Indiana and Illinois. It was historically used for transportation and provided a source of water for agriculture. The river has a diverse ecosystem, with over 200 species of fish, including several endangered species. The river's hydrology has been altered by the construction of several reservoirs and dams, including the Kankakee River State Park Dam and the Wilmington Dam. These dams have been built for flood control, hydroelectric power, and recreation. The river is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and camping. The river and its surrounding wetlands also provide important habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife. Agriculturally, the river is used as a source of irrigation for corn, soybeans, and other crops.

Last Updated 2024-12-24
Discharge Volume 10,439 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 5,263.0 cfs
-56.0 cfs (-1.05%)
Percent of Normal 47.41%
Maximum 79,130.0 cfs
2018-02-22
Seasonal Avg 11,100 cfs

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Kankakee River At Davis
USGS 05515500
392 cfs 5.47 ft 1.29
Kankakee River At Dunns Bridge
USGS 05517500
719 cfs 3.03 ft -1.51
Kankakee River Nr Kouts
USGS 05517530
748 cfs 3.98 ft -4.96
Kankakee River At Shelby
USGS 05518000
954 cfs 4.65 ft -1.14
Kankakee River At Momence
USGS 05520500
1080 cfs 1.63 ft 0
Kankakee River Near Wilmington
USGS 05527500
1370 cfs 1.25 ft 0
History of the River

The Kankakee River ([ˌkæŋkəˈki]) is a tributary of the Illinois River, approximately 133 miles (214 km) long, in northwestern Indiana and northeastern Illinois in the United States. At one time, the river drained one of the largest wetlands in North America and furnished a significant portage between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River. Significantly altered from its original channel, it flows through a primarily rural farming region of reclaimed cropland, south of Lake Michigan.

       

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