Fire Weather Watch
2026-03-05T18:00:00-07:00

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 241, 245, 246 and 247. * TIMING...Thursday afternoon. * WINDS...South 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 10 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire.


VERMILION RIVER

Last Updated: March 4, 2026

Get the latest River Levels, Streamflow, and Hydrology for in River flows across 7 streamgages of the Vermilion River


Summary

Total streamflow across the Vermilion River was last observed at 2,474 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 4,907 acre-ft of water today; about 99% of normal. Average streamflow for this time of year is 2,497 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2024-01-20 when daily discharge volume was observed at 52,199 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Vermilion River At Perry reporting a streamflow rate of 1,640 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Vermilion River At Surrey St. At Lafayette with a gauge stage of 5.61 ft. This river is monitored from 7 different streamgauging stations along the Vermilion River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 1,183 ft, the Vermilion River Nr Crane Lake.




15-Day Weather Outlook


River Details

Last Updated 2026-03-04
Discharge Volume 4,907 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 2,474.0 cfs
+374.0 cfs (+17.81%)
Percent of Normal 99.08%
Maximum 52,199.0 cfs
2024-01-20
Seasonal Avg cfs
       
River Streamflow Levels
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Vermilion River Nr Crane Lake
USGS 05129115
106 cfs 4.57 ft 0.95
Vermilion River At Pontiac
USGS 05554500
9 cfs 2.56 ft -13.56
Vermilion River Near Vermilion Oh
USGS 04199500
49 cfs 2.43 ft -14.58
Vermilion River Near Leonore
USGS 05555300
32 cfs 3.12 ft 193.58
Vermilion River Near Danville
USGS 03339000
146 cfs 2.4 ft 149.15
Vermilion River At Surrey St. At Lafayette
USGS 07386880
582 cfs 5.61 ft 27.91
Vermilion River At Perry
USGS 07386980
1640 cfs 5.24 ft 6.49
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile

The river has a significant history, having been used by Native American tribes for trade and transportation. Its hydrology is characterized by a combination of flowing water and floodplain wetlands, which support a diverse ecosystem. The river is home to several dams and reservoirs, including Lake Vermilion, which was constructed in the 1970s for flood control and recreation. The river system supports agricultural activity, including corn and soybean farming, and provides recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, and hiking. The Vermilion River is a vital resource for the region, providing economic and ecological benefits.