South Branch Kishwaukee River near Fairdale
Illinois — Water Level & Flood Stage
Located in De Kalb County, Illinois on the South Branch Kishwaukee River. Live water level data from USGS gauge 05439500, updated every 15 minutes.
Current Water Level
Gage Height
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Streamflow
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Last Reading
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Flood Stages
Major Flood
13 ft
Moderate Flood
12 ft
Minor Flood
9 ft
Action Stage
6.5 ft
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
What Floods at Each Level
15 ft
Kirkland Sewer Plant property may be threatened.
14 ft
Structures threatened along Main Street in Kirkland.
13.5 ft
Numerous residential structures threatened along North Street in Kirkland.
12.5 ft
A few structures threatened near the river along Irene Road northeast of Fairdale. A few residential structures threatened along North Street in Kirkland. 6th Street (Kirkland Road) threatened in Kirkland.
11 ft
Pearl Street threatened in Kirkland.
10.5 ft
Irene Road threatened northeast of Fairdale.
10 ft
Widespread inundation of agricultural land near Fairdale and Kirkland.
9 ft
McNeal Road threatened north of Fairdale. North Street threatened in Kirkland.
8.5 ft
Low-lying portions of Kirkland River Park inundated.
6.5 ft
Water overflows low-lying banks near Fairdale and Kirkland.
Impact statements from the National Weather Service, describing what typically happens at each water level.
Low-Water Impacts
2
Approximate stage of the 1-in-10 annual chance flow (7-day average).
1.5
River nears zero flow.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 18, 1996 | 13.37 ft | 25,400 cfs |
| Jul 18, 1996 | 13.37 ft | 25,400 cfs |
| Jul 23, 2010 | 12.15 ft | 13,900 cfs |
| Jul 23, 2010 | 12.15 ft | 13,900 cfs |
| Jun 12, 1999 | 11.24 ft | 12,200 cfs |
About This Gauge
USGS Site
NWS LID
FDLI2
River
South Branch Kishwaukee River
County
De Kalb, IL
Coordinates
42.1106°N, 88.9006°W
Get Flood Alerts for South Branch Kishwaukee 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 South Branch Kishwaukee River near Fairdale?
The South Branch Kishwaukee River near Fairdale gauge is maintained by USGS (site 05439500) 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 South Branch Kishwaukee River near Fairdale?
The NWS-defined flood stage for South Branch Kishwaukee River near Fairdale is 9 feet. Action stage begins at 6.5 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 12 feet, and major flooding at 13 feet.
How do I get alerts when South Branch Kishwaukee River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add South Branch Kishwaukee River near Fairdale 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 South Branch Kishwaukee River near Fairdale gauge located?
The gauge is located in De Kalb County, Illinois at coordinates 42.1106°N, 88.9006°W. USGS site number: 05439500. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
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Source & Notes
Data provided by: US Geological Survey, Observations courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey