The Fox River Status Update for May 1, 2026 is available at https://dnr.illinois.gov/waterresources/strattonoperationsupdate.html
SUMMARY
Hopefully we are nearing the light at the end of the tunnel. It is currently forecasted that the Chain and Upper River could return to “No Wake” next week. The Lower River could be at “No Wake” the following week. There is currently 0.25” or less of rain forecasted for the watershed over the next 7 Days, (Figure 4). Inflows will continue to drop if no significant rainfall occurs (Figure 1). Fox Lake, Upper River, and Pool continue dropping (Figure 2). The Lower River is expected to keep dropping as well on the Fox River (Tailwater) Near McHenry Gage, (Figure 3).
Aaron Rotherham
Project Engineer
IDNR Office of Water Resources
(217)782-4615
