Kayak Love

Illinois · river

Sangamon River near Oakford

Live conditions for this USGS-monitored stretch of water, updated every 15 minutes.

94of 100

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Paddle Score, from live wind and water conditions

Wind

2 mph

gusting to 6 mph

Air temp

70°F

45% chance of rain

River flow

922 cfs

normal for this date

Best day to paddle this week

Tuesday · 97

  • Today

    51

  • Sun

    68

  • Mon

    92

  • Tue

    97

    Best

  • Wed

    90

  • Thu

    70

  • Fri

    79

Scored from each day's peak forecast wind, heat, and rain chance — river flow isn't forecastable, so check back before you load the boat.

Wind, next 12 hours

mph
Hourly wind forecast
HourWind (mph)Gusts (mph)
11a26
12p57
1p710
2p914
3p1325
4p1530
5p1430
6p1531
7p1429
8p1328
9p1328
10p1326

Is this flow normal for August 1?

Today's 922 cfs is 18% below the median for this date — which counts as normal water here.

The median flow on this date is 1,120 cfs, across 115 years of USGS record at this gauge. Whether that is runnable depends on the stretch — this is context, not a recommendation.

Why this score

  • Wind2 mph — calm, ideal for any boat±0
  • Rain45% chance in the next 6 hours-6

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.

Nearby water

All paddling spots in Illinois