Illustrated cartographic portrait of Lake Michigan at Chicago

Illinois Lake Levels

Current water level for 3 lakes and reservoirs in Illinois, updated daily from public agency data.

Illinois lake register

Alphabetical current readings from public water agencies

Lake / reservoirLake / reservoirCurrent levelLevel7-day change7-day
Channel Lake4.24 ft4.2 ft-0.60 ft-0.6 ft
Fox Lake4.13 ft4.1 ft-0.62 ft-0.6 ft
Nippersink Lake4.10 ft4.1 ft-0.65 ft-0.7 ft

Scroll across the table for all readings →

Illinois lake levels: common questions

Are Illinois lakes low right now?

0 of the 3 Illinois lakes with enough history to compare are in the bottom quarter of their own October record. That seasonal comparison matters more than the raw level: reservoirs are drawn down on a schedule, so a lake several feet below full pool in October may still be entirely normal for the date.

Which Illinois lake has changed most this week?

Channel Lake has risen the most, -0.60 ft over seven days, and Nippersink Lake has fallen the most at -0.65 ft.

How often do Illinois lake levels update?

Each gauge publishes on its own schedule. Most report at least daily, some hourly. This page is rebuilt every day from the U.S. Geological Survey, and the number on an individual lake's page refreshes again in your browser when the agency posts a newer reading. Readings are provisional and can be revised.