Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal at Chicago (Western Ave)
Illinois — Water Level & Flood Stage
Located in Cook County, Illinois on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. Live water level data from USGS gauge 05536137, updated every 15 minutes.
Current Water Level
Gage Height
Loading...
Streamflow
Loading...
Last Reading
Loading...
Flood Stages
Minor Flood
4 ft
Action Stage
2 ft
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
What Floods at Each Level
7 ft
Structures are threatened near the canal in the Bridgeport, Lower West Side, McKinley Park, and South Lawndale areas of Chicago. Structures are threatened near the South Branch Chicago River along Iron Street in the Bridgeport and McKinley Park areas of Chicago.
6 ft
Structures are threatened near Ping Tom Park and in the Armour Square, Near South Side, and Lower West Side areas of Chicago.
4 ft
The canal overflows low-lying banks in the Bridgeport, Lower West Side, McKinley Park, and South Lawndale areas of Chicago.
2 ft
Low-lying sections of Ping Tom Park are inundated.
Impact statements from the National Weather Service, describing what typically happens at each water level.
Low-Water Impacts
-4
Low water levels begin to impact shipping interests along the river.
What happens as water levels drop, per the National Weather Service.
7-Day Water Level Chart
Loading chart data...
Historic Crests
| Date | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| May 16, 2020 | 5.26 ft | — |
| May 16, 2020 | 5.26 ft | — |
| Jun 29, 1977 | 4.1 ft | — |
| Jun 29, 1977 | 4.1 ft | — |
| Oct 13, 2017 | 3.62 ft | — |
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
CSWI2
River
Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal
County
Cook, IL
Coordinates
41.8372°N, 87.6854°W
Get Flood Alerts for Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal
StormCast monitors this gauge and sends a push notification to your phone when the water level crosses into a new flood category — even at 3 AM.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current water level of Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal at Chicago (Western Ave)?
The Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal at Chicago (Western Ave) gauge is maintained by USGS (site 05536137) and reports water levels every 15 minutes. Visit this page to see the latest reading updated live, or download StormCast to get push alerts when levels rise.
What is flood stage for Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal at Chicago (Western Ave)?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal at Chicago (Western Ave) is 4 feet. Action stage begins at 2 feet. Moderate flooding starts at N/A feet, and major flooding at N/A feet.
How do I get alerts when Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal at Chicago (Western Ave) to your watchlist. StormCast will send a push notification to your phone whenever the water level crosses into a new NWS flood category — even when your screen is off.
Where is the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal at Chicago (Western Ave) gauge located?
The gauge is located in Cook County, Illinois at coordinates 41.8372°N, 87.6854°W. USGS site number: 05536137. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
More Gauges on Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal
On This River
More Resources
Source & Notes
Data provided by: Observations courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey