Chicago River at Chicago (Columbus Dr)

The past week

What floods at each level

• 6 ft

  Numerous structures flooded near the river in the River West, River North, and West Loop neighborhoods.

• 5 ft

  Lower level of office towers may be threatened near the river. Low-lying sections of River Esplanade Park are threatened including Centennial Fountain.

• 4 ft

  Lower Wacker Drive is threatened.

• 3.5 ft

  Commercial areas of the Chicago Riverwalk are threatened.

• 3 ft

  Numerous stretches of the Chicago Riverwalk are threatened. USACE and MWRD consider opening of Chicago Lock to reduce flood impacts, depending on the water level of Lake Michigan.

• 2 ft

  Low-lying sections of the Chicago Riverwalk are threatened.

• 1 ft

  City of Chicago considers closure of the Chicago Riverwalk.

Highest crests on record

When the water runs low

• -4

  Low water levels begin to impact shipping interests along the river.

More on Chicago River