Chain O' Lakes flooding predictions down graded

Revised flooding numbers are coming in from Wisconsin, and boaters on the Chain O' Lakes may get a reprieve from further restrictions because of it.

According to anticipated figures in New Munster, Wis., water levels are only anticipated to reach about 18-inches over flood levels, and not the 3-feet over flood levels reported Wednesday afternoon.

This means the water levels on the Chain and Fox River should not overflow into roadways and on lawns as originally anticipated around the Chain O' Lakes, officials said, and might potentially keep restrictions away for the upcoming 4th of July weekend.

However, the Chain and Fox River will continue to rise through the weekend as water pours in down the Fox River from Wisconsin. Because of the increasing levels, some no-wake restrictions could be put in place by the Fox Waterway Agency in the next couple of days for safety reasons, officials said.

Officials from the National Weather Service originally anticipated water levels would reach 3.2-feet above flood stage late Thursday or early Friday. That would have been enough to push water on the Chain to the top of sea walls or onto roadways and lawns in low-lying areas, said Rita Lee of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

A no-wake restriction remains in place for the lower Fox River, between the Bolger-Stratton Lock and Dam in McHenry and the Algonquin Dam in Algonquin.

The no-wake restriction on the lower river, which went into effect at 8 a.m. Wednesday, means boaters are not allowed to travel at speeds greater than 5 mph. Violations of no-wake or other boat restrictions during flooding are subject to a fine of $300 to $500.

Boaters who use the waterways during no-wake also should be aware of fast moving currents and high water obstructions, officials said.

There are no restrictions in place on the upper Fox River from McHenry through the Chain O' Lakes as of 8:30 a.m. Thursday.