Fox Waterway Agency

06/18/2026

The Fox River Status Update for June 18, 2026 is available at https://dnr.illinois.gov/waterresources/strattonoperationsupdate.html

SUMMARY
There is currently 0.50” of rain forecasted for the lakes over the next 7 Days, (Figure 4). Inflows are forecasted to drop to around 1000 cfs and hold near that level (Figure 1). Fox Lake is currently forecasted to drop to near 4.00’ with the Upper River and Pool being slightly lower (Figure 2). The Lower River is forecasted to hold near 2.50’ on the tailwater gage (Figure 3).

Aaron Rotherham
Project Engineer
IDNR Office of Water Resources
(217)782-4615

06/13/2026

We are posted up on the North side of Route 12 bridge for courtesy boat inspections with the Lake County Sheriff’s Marine unit until 2:30 pm today.

The Lake County Sheriff's Marine Unit, assisted by the Fox Waterway Agency, will be hosting a FREE vessel safety check event in Nippersink Lake, this Saturday June 13, from Noon to 2:30pm. At this voluntary event we encourage you to motor up to a stationary barge anchored in the lake, where deputies will perform a vessel safety check of your watercraft and make sure you have all the proper safety equipment. We'll also let you know if there are any safety concerns we observe. This event is focused on keeping people safe, not on taking enforcement action against those who are missing required equipment.

Please stop by and get your free safety check with us this Saturday!

06/12/2026

The Fox River Status Update for June 12, 2026 is available at https://dnr.illinois.gov/waterresources/strattonoperationsupdate.html

SUMMARY
There is currently just over 1.50” of rain forecasted for the watershed over the next 7 Days. Inflows are forecasted to peak tomorrow at just over 2500 cfs (Figure 1). The Chain is currently forecasted to peak Monday at 4.55’ on the Fox Lake gage with the Upper River and Pool being slightly lower (Figure 2). The Lower River is forecasted to peak Monday as well at near 3.20’ on the tailwater gage (Figure 3).

IDNR-OWR WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR CONDITIONS AND MAKE CHANGES AS NECESSARY PENDING FUTURE FORECASTS & CONDITIONS. FUTURE UPDATES WILL BE MADE SHOULD FORECASTS CHANGE.

Aaron Rotherham
Project Engineer
IDNR Office of Water Resources
(217)782-4615

05/28/2026

The McHenry County Division of Transportation (MCDOT) is initiating a rehabilitation project for the Charles J. Miller Road bridge over the Fox River. This project is a key part of their county-side proactive bridge maintenance program, designed to ensure the long-term safety and reliability of our transportation network.

By addressing the needs of this vital bridge now, they are taking a strategic, preventative step to extend its service life, enhance safety for all users, and ensure it remains a dependable connection for the community for decades to come.
The Fox Waterway Agency will implement a NO WAKE restriction in May for the duration of the project, which will remain in effect throughout the entire 2026 boating season.

MCDOT Project Information: https://engagemcdot.mchenrycountyil.gov/charles-j-miller-bridge-project

05/23/2026

05/22/2026

The Fox River Status Update for May 21, 2026 is available at https://dnr.illinois.gov/waterresources/strattonoperationsupdate.html

SUMMARY
There is currently 0.10” of rain forecasted for the watershed over the next 7 Days (Figure 4). Inflows are forecasted to continue slowly declining (Figure 1). The Chain, Upper River, and Pool are forecasted to hold near current levels (Figure 2). The Lower River is forecasted to drop slightly from the lack of inflows (Figure 3).

PLEASE BE AWARE OF DEBRIS ON THE ENTIRE SYSTEM

Aaron Rotherham
Project Engineer
IDNR Office of Water Resources
(217)782-4615

05/20/2026

05/18/2026

🚨 FINAL Sandbag & Flood Debris Pickup – Tuesday, May 19 🚨

The Village’s final sandbag and flood debris pickup will take place on Tuesday, May 19. All sandbags and flood-related debris that has washed up from the lake or channel must be placed at the curb no later than 7:00 AM on Tuesday, 5/19.

Please note this will be a one-pass pickup only. Sandbags and debris not placed at the curb by 7:00 AM on 5/19 may not be picked up.

We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation throughout the recent flooding events. Please contact Public Works at [email protected] or (847) 587-8570 to schedule a pickup.

05/15/2026

The Fox River Status Update for May 15, 2026 is available at https://dnr.illinois.gov/waterresources/strattonoperationsupdate.html

SUMMARY
It looks like the spigot has been turned off, as the system is currently in low flow conditions (Figure 1). There is currently between 0.75”-1.00” of rain forecasted for the watershed over the next 7 Days and will do little to raise inflows (Figure 4). The Chain, Upper River, and Pool are forecasted hold near current levels (Figure 2). The Lower River is forecasted to drop slightly from the lack of inflows (Figure 3).

Notice: IDNR surveyors will be in the area in the near future. They will be collecting structure data for a damages model, allowing us to correlate economic impacts to water levels. They will also be surveying the Lower River channel for the extension of the inundation map to the Algonquin Dam. This will allow us to provide forecasted water levels for the full system.

Please share this information with friends and neighbors.

Aaron Rotherham
Project Engineer
IDNR Office of Water Resources
(217)782-4615