Can you swim here today?
Portage Creek
Illinois · River
Use caution — an official advisory is in effect
Use cautionAs of August 21, 2026, USGS gauge 05532600, 0.3 miles away, reports a gage height of 12.52 ft near Portage Creek but no water-temperature reading.
Use caution — an official advisory is in effect: live streamflow is available but no water-temperature sensor is nearby.
- Live streamflow is available but no water-temperature sensor is nearby. — USGS gauge 05532600, as of Aug 21, 7:00 PM gauge-local time
- A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for Cook, IL; De Kalb, IL; DuPage, IL; Ford, IL; Grundy, IL; Iroquois, IL; Kane, IL; Kankakee, IL and other areas. — NWS Chicago IL
Gage height
12.52 ft
water level
No official beach-advisory feed for Illinois yet — follow posted signs and local guidance.
Live, provisional data from USGS gauge DES PLAINES RIVER AT LYONS, IL (0.3 mi away), as of Aug 21, 7:00 PM gauge-local time.
Before you get in
- Never swim alone — and keep weaker swimmers within arm's reach.
- Scout depth and entry/exit points before you get in.
- Read the current: avoid fast, rising, or murky water.
- Check the forecast — get out well before storms or lightning.
- Obey posted signs, flags, and lifeguard guidance.
Read next
Conditions are for general information only and can change quickly. Always judge the water in person and follow posted advisories and local guidance before swimming or paddling.