The Fox River Status Update for May 15, 2025 and the updated Stratton Operations Manual are available at https://dnr.illinois.gov/waterresources/strattonoperationsupdate.html
Please remember to utilize the surveys on the website to help IDNR improve the Chain of Lakes experience.
SUMMARY
With “Abnormally Dry” conditions expanding and “Moderate Drought” conditions (Figure 5) now covering the central portion of the watershed, the 1.25” to 1.75” of precipitation forecasted for the next 7 Days (Figure 4) will be a slight relief from the dropping inflows. Inflows are forecasted to hold relatively steady over the next week, peaking around Memorial Day weekend (Figure 1). Fox Lake and areas upstream of the dam are forecasted to remain near 4.00’ (Figure 2). The Lower River should expect to see levels remain near where they are now (Figure 3).
Aaron Rotherham
Project Engineer
IDNR Office of Water Resources
(217)782-4615