Skokie River River Levels

Total streamflow across the Skokie River was last observed at 8 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 15 acre-ft of water today; about 34% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 22 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2017-07-13 when daily discharge volume was observed at 1,980 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Skokie River Near Highland Park reporting a streamflow rate of 5.56 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Skokie River, with a gauge stage of 2.83 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 2 different streamgauging stations along the Skokie River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 664 ft, the Skokie River At Lake Forest.

The name "Skokie" is believed to have derived from the Potawatomi word for "swampy place," reflecting the river's marshy surroundings. In the early 20th century, several dams and reservoirs were constructed along the river to control flooding and provide water for agriculture and industry. The Skokie Lagoons, a series of seven interconnected reservoirs, are now a popular recreational area for fishing, boating, and hiking. The Skokie River is also a valuable source of water for nearby communities, and is protected through various conservation efforts to maintain its ecology and prevent pollution.