Chicago S & South Canal at Western Ave at Chicago water level

What this means

The Chicago S & South Canal at Western Ave at Chicago is above normal at −2.17 ft.

That puts it 0.08 ft above the median of −2.25 ft for mid-October, based on 11 years of readings. It is 6.17 ft below the flood stage of 4.00 ft. A year ago it stood at −2.17 ft as well.

It has risen 0.18 ft over the past 24 hours. If the rise continues, low-lying paths and riverside parking can go under water. In the last month it has stayed between −3.33 ft and −1.63 ft.

That stands out in fall, when many rivers are usually near their lowest. The sensor also reports a water temperature of 64 °F.

Compared with 11 years of daily readings for this time of year. How to read levels

Key numbers

Median for this date

−2.25 ft0.08 ft above the median for this date

Normal for this date

−2.60 ft – −1.99 ft8 years in 10 fall in this range (11 years of records)

Same day last year

−2.17 ft0.00 ft

Lowest and highest in 30 days

−3.33 ft – −1.63 ft

Lowest and highest in 12 months

−3.69 ft – −1.58 ft

Highest on record

5.26 ftMay 17, 2020