Illinois River At Valley City, Il: river conditions
USGS gauge 05586100 · near Valley City, IL
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7-day flow
NWS forecast for this spot
Numbers are provisional real-time data. We don't rate rivers as safe or unsafe. Check local conditions, posted signs and official advisories (NWS warnings, park and dam-release notices) before you launch.
Kayak types for this river
We don't have verified river-class or character data for this stretch, so this is based only on USGS flow. Typical flow is about 15,800 cfs (median of daily medians, USGS daily statistics 1939–2026). Flow doesn't swing widely by season, so recreational sit-inside, sit-on-top, fishing and tandem kayaks can suit it at normal levels (REI kayak guide). Whitewater sections need whitewater boats and skills.
- Recreational sit-inside: Pelican Argo 100X EXO (max 275 lb)
- Sit-on-top: Pelican Bandit 100NXT (max 300 lb)
- Fishing: Eddyline Sandpiper 130 (max 390 lb)
- Tandem: Pelican Alliance 136T (max 500 lb)
Check today's conditions for your kayak
Flow, wind, water temperature, flood stage and NWS alerts
Documented hazards near this gauge
When flow is high: above the 90th percentile for the date or near NWS flood stage, expect more floating debris and strainers (downed trees that let water through but trap people and boats). Steer well clear of them (PA Fish and Boat Commission). Today's check flags this.
No documented hazards found in official sources. Scout before you go.
Wildlife
No documented records of the wildlife we track (bears, moose, bison, alligators, cottonmouths) within 25 km in openly licensed GBIF data.
Water quality
We don't yet have harmful algal bloom (HAB) advisories for this spot. Check the Illinois HAB or beach advisory program before contact with the water, and keep pets out of discolored or scummy water (EPA harmful algal blooms).
Cold water
Shown when this gauge reports water temperature.
Illinois paddling rules
Registration, permits, life jackets and AIS stickers
Float time estimator
How long a stretch of river might take
Cold water and life jacket guide
From NWS and Coast Guard guidance
Data: USGS (provisional, real-time; percentiles from USGS daily statistics 1939–2026) · Forecast: NOAA/NWS.