North Branch Chicago River at Niles

Is this flow normal for August 1?

Today's 401 cfs is 1115% above the median for this date — which counts as very high water here.

The median flow on this date is 33 cfs, across 74 years of USGS record at this gauge. Whether that is runnable depends on the stretch — this is context, not a recommendation.

Why this score

• Wind — 8 mph — noticeable but manageable-2
• Gusts — Gusting to 21 mph — 13 mph over sustained-7
• Rain — 62% chance in the next 6 hours-13

We don't have launch notes for this one

This page is built from the USGS gauge at this location, so the flow and weather are real — but we haven't verified where to put in, what the hazards are, or whether this stretch is legal or sensible to paddle. We'd rather say that than invent it. The links below are where to find out.

We also don't have a verified safe-flow range here, so the Paddle Score reflects weather only. Judge the flow number against local knowledge, not against our score.

Do your own homework

We show you live conditions. For local knowledge — where to put in, what the hazards are, whether it's worth the drive — here's where paddlers actually talk about this water. We don't vet these sources; check the dates and judge for yourself.

• Paddler discussion on Reddit ↗

  Trip reports and local warnings, straight from the source

• Search American Whitewater ↗

  Rapid classifications and gauge-linked run descriptions

• Satellite view and access roads ↗

  Check parking, put-ins, and what the banks actually look like

• Video from this water ↗

  The fastest way to see the character of a run before you drive

• USGS gauge 05536000 ↗

  Full hydrograph, historical flows, and station metadata

Nearby water

• Nb Chicago River at North Pulaski Road at Chicago4 mi
• Des Plaines River at Algonquin Road at Des Plaines4 mi
• Weller Creek at Des Plaines7 mi
• Des Plaines River near Des Plaines7 mi
• Mc Donald Creek near Mount Prospect8 mi
• West Fork of Nb Chicago River at Northbrook9 mi