KASKASKIA RIVER

RIVER LEVELS
February 9, 2025


TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE

Total streamflow across the Kaskaskia River was last observed at 14,158 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 28,082 acre-ft of water today; about 55% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 25,948 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2015-12-30 when daily discharge volume was observed at 129,500 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Kaskaskia River At New Athens reporting a streamflow rate of 4,310 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Kaskaskia River, with a gauge stage of 69.36 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 8 different streamgauging stations along the Kaskaskia River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 650 ft, the Kaskaskia River At Chesterville.

The Kaskaskia River flows for a length of 325 miles through central and southern Illinois before joining the Mississippi River. The river is known for its role in early French exploration and settlement in the area. It has a drainage area of 5,746 square miles and is heavily utilized for agricultural purposes. The Kaskaskia River is also home to several reservoirs and dams, including Carlyle Lake, which is the largest man-made lake in Illinois with a surface area of 26,000 acres. The lake is utilized for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and camping. The river also provides water for municipal, industrial, and agricultural use. The Kaskaskia River has played a significant role in the history and development of Illinois and remains an important natural resource for the state.

Last Updated 2025-02-09
Discharge Volume 28,082 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 14,158.0 cfs
None cfs (None%)
Percent of Normal 54.56%
Maximum 129,500.0 cfs
2015-12-30
Seasonal Avg 25,948 cfs

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Kaskaskia River At Chesterville
USGS 05590950
436 cfs 34.15 ft -9.36
Kaskaskia River At Cooks Mills
USGS 05591200
208 cfs 3.45 ft -7.3
Kaskaskia River At Shelbyville
USGS 05592000
1300 cfs 10.24 ft 10.24
Kaskaskia River Near Cowden
USGS 05592100
1380 cfs 7.46 ft 5.97
Kaskaskia River At Vandalia
USGS 05592500
1440 cfs 7.99 ft -2.82
Kaskaskia River At Carlyle
USGS 05593000
2340 cfs 12.43 ft -0.39
Kaskaskia River At New Athens
USGS 05595000
4310 cfs 69.36 ft -15.89
Kaskaskia River Near Venedy Station
USGS 05594100
3180 cfs 9.98 ft -6.47
History of the River

The Kaskaskia River is a tributary of the Mississippi River, approximately 325 miles (523 km) long, in central and southern Illinois in the United States. The second largest river system within Illinois, it drains a rural area of farms, as well as rolling hills along river bottoms of hardwood forests in its lower reaches. The lower reaches of the river have been canalized to allow barge traffic.
"Cascasquia" is an alternative, supposedly more French, spelling of "Kaskaskia" that is sometimes encountered. It was named after a clan of the Illiniwek encountered by the early French Jesuits and other settlers. "Okaw River" was an alternative name for the Kaskaskia that persists in place names along the river, including Okawville, and in a major tributary, the West Okaw River.

       

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