Minor Flood
4 ft
Current Water Level
Gage Height
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Streamflow
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Last Reading
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FLOOD STAGES
Know the flood categories.
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
Action Stage
2 ft
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
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Historic Crests
| Date | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| May 16, 2020 | 5.26 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.
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
Upstream: North Branch Chicago River at Chicago (Grand Ave)
Downstream: Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal at Stickney
More Resources
Source & Notes
Data provided by: Observations courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey