River stage
Grafton, Mississippi River
- River level
- 16.73 ft
- Status
- Below flood stage
- 7-day change
- -0.49 ft
- Recent high
- 19.28 ft
- Recent low
- 14.49 ft
Last reported 2026-10-13 | NWS GRFI2
- 30-day change
- +0.53 ft
- Average
- 16.20 ft
- Readings
- 122
- Data span
- 122 days
- Record crest
- 38.17 ft
In brief
The Mississippi River at Grafton, IL read 16.73 ft on Oct 13, 2026, 1.27 ft below action stage. That is 0.53 ft higher than 30 days earlier.
Source: National Weather Service gauge GRFI2
River level timeline
Stage threshold profile
Highest crests on record
| Rank | Crest | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 38.17 ft | 1993-08-01 |
| 2 | 35.17 ft | 2019-06-07 |
| 3 | 33.12 ft | 1973-04-28 |
| 4 | 32.13 ft | 1844-06-18 |
| 5 | 32.10 ft | 2019-05-07 |
| 6 | 30.94 ft | 2013-06-04 |
| 7 | 30.91 ft | 2015-12-31 |
| 8 | 30.80 ft | 2008-06-29 |
Flood crests recorded at this gauge by the National Weather Service.
What happens at each level
- 24.00 ft
Roads within Chautauqua and Elsah begin flooding near this height.
- 24.70 ft
City of Grafton begins to detour traffic along Route 100 (Main Street) at Evans Street. Also at this level the Catholic Church parking lot at Main & Evans begins flooding. This represents the lowest point on Main Street in Grafton.
- 24.90 ft
Water reaches the intersection of Main St. and Edwards St.
- 25.00 ft
Ball field south of Main Street and Hawg Pit BBQ begin flooding.
- 25.20 ft
The intersection at Main Street and Canal Street begins flooding.
- 25.50 ft
Brussels Ferry closes near this height. O'Jan's Fish Stand in Grafton closes near this height.
- 25.60 ft
Water surrounds base of Aerie's Resort at Main Street (Hwy 100) near Market.
- 26.00 ft
Water distribution system begins to flood so emergency measures begin.
- 26.40 ft
Residential flooding in Grafton occurs.
- 26.50 ft
At this height the entrance to the Illinois Youth Center-Pere Marquette becomes flooded, forcing the evacuation of those staying there.
Written by the local National Weather Service forecast office for this exact gauge.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mississippi River flooding at Grafton?
No. The Mississippi River at Grafton is at 16.73 ft, 1.27 ft below action stage.
What is the flood stage at Grafton?
The National Weather Service sets action stage 18 ft, minor flooding 20 ft, moderate flooding 24 ft and major flooding 29 ft.
What is the highest the Mississippi River has been at Grafton?
The highest crest on record is 38.17 ft, on 1993-08-01.
Is the Mississippi River high or low right now at Grafton?
At 16.73 ft it is higher than 80% of readings over the last 122 days.
Stage and flood information from the NOAA National Weather Service (gauge GRFI2); daily history from the U.S. Geological Survey (site 05587450). Last reading 2026-10-13. For flood safety decisions always follow official National Weather Service warnings.