LITTLE CALUMET RIVER

Last Updated: December 23, 2025

Get the latest River Levels, Streamflow, and Hydrology for in River flows across 3 streamgages of the Little Calumet River


Summary

Total streamflow across the Little Calumet River was last observed at 135 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 268 acre-ft of water today; about 92% of normal. Average streamflow for this time of year is 147 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2024-04-02 when daily discharge volume was observed at 2,206 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Little Calumet River At South Holland reporting a streamflow rate of 62.8 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Little Calumet River, with a gauge stage of 5.58 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 3 different streamgauging stations along the Little Calumet River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 617 ft, the Little Calumet River At Porter.

River Details

Last Updated 2025-12-22
Discharge Volume 268 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 135.3 cfs
-37.0 cfs (-21.47%)
Percent of Normal 91.92%
Maximum 2,206.0 cfs
2024-04-02
Seasonal Avg cfs
       
River Streamflow Levels
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Little Calumet River At Porter
USGS 04094000
54 cfs 3.44 ft -19.06
Little Calumet River At South Holland
USGS 05536290
63 cfs 5.58 ft -23.14
Little Calumet River At Munster
USGS 05536195
13 cfs 5.34 ft -25.38
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile

The river was originally used by Native Americans for transportation and fishing, and later by European settlers for logging and transportation. The river's hydrology has been altered by the construction of several reservoirs and dams, including the Thorn Creek Dam and the Oakwood Dunes Dam. These dams were built to control flooding and provide a source of drinking water for nearby communities. The Little Calumet River also has several recreational uses, including fishing, boating, and hiking, and is home to several species of fish and wildlife. The river is also used for agricultural purposes, including the irrigation of crops and grazing of livestock.