Major Flood
28 ft
Current Water Level
Gage Height
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Streamflow
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Last Reading
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This is an NWS forecast point (LID: BEAI2). Live data may be limited. View on NWS AHPS →
FLOOD STAGES
Know the flood categories.
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
Moderate Flood
18 ft
Minor Flood
14 ft
Action Stage
13 ft
What Floods at Each Level
35.1 ft
Lost Creek Levee is overtopped.
35 ft
Water overtops the seawall in Beardstown and the South Beardstown levee.
31 ft
Crane Creek Levee is overtopped.
30 ft
Hager Slough is overtopped.
28 ft
Portions of Route 100 are closed due to floodwaters. When down, the BNSF railroad bridge across the Illinois River acts as dam. Big Lake levee is overtopped.
27 ft
Coal Creek Levee overtops at boat landing. Damage begins at Frederick and Browning.
20 ft
Seepage problems begin in the South Beardstown Drainage and Levee District.
18 ft
Seepage problems begin in the Lost Creek Drainage and Levee District.
14.4 ft
Seepage problems begin in the Coal Creek Drainage and Levee District.
14 ft
Minor flooding begins to agricultural areas not protected by levees.
12 ft
Pumping begins in drainage and levee districts protecting about 59000 acres.
Impact statements from the National Weather Service, describing what typically happens at each water level.
7-Day Water Level Chart
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Historic Crests
| Date | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 26, 2013 | 29.81 ft | -9,999 cfs |
| Jul 1, 2015 | 29.75 ft | -9,999 cfs |
| May 25, 1943 | 29.6 ft | — |
About This Gauge
NWS LID
BEAI2
River
Illinois River
County
Cass, IL
Coordinates
40.0169°N, 90.4389°W
Get Flood Alerts for Illinois River
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 Illinois River at Beardstown?
The Illinois River at Beardstown gauge is maintained by USGS 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 Illinois River at Beardstown?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Illinois River at Beardstown is 14 feet. Action stage begins at 13 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 18 feet, and major flooding at 28 feet.
How do I get alerts when Illinois River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Illinois River at Beardstown 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 Illinois River at Beardstown gauge located?
The gauge is located in Cass County, Illinois at coordinates 40.0169°N, 90.4389°W. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
More Gauges on Illinois River
On This River
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Source & Notes
Data provided by: USACE, Observations courtesy of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- River forecasts for this location take into account past precipitation and the precipitation amounts expected approximately 24 hours into the future from the forecast issuance time.