Des Plaines keeps wary eye on rising river

If anything, Peter Bacik's Irish setter, Prince, is feeling the most displaced as the Des Plaines River rises.

On Friday, Prince had to settle for being tied on the backyard porch of his Des Plaines home, rather than enjoying his scenic riverfront kennel, which was presently flooded.

As of Friday afternoon, flooding was still relatively minor along the river in Des Plaines. The river is expected to crest early this morning at 5.7 feet, just above flood stage, the National Weather Service said.

At that stage, water floods the forest preserve property adjacent to the river and creeps into some yards along Big Bend Drive, Bacik's neighborhood along the edge of the Des Plaines River.

Bacik, 46, has lived on Big Bend Drive for six years. So, he knows when to brace for major flooding. The recent rain has fallen short of threatening major flooding.

"Right now, we're in a watch state," City Manager Jason Bajor said. "The flood reports have been downgraded. We have not deployed any resources."

Bacik uses the steps leading to the riverbank to gauge when the Des Plaines River is becoming more of a flood threat.

If the water inches toward the step second to the top, then Bacik expects a deluge.

"That's when we start worrying," he said, pointing to the step. That danger line is four steps away. Prince, meanwhile, looks longingly at his riverfront property.

Closer to downtown Des Plaines, water flowed over the east bank along Joseph Schwab Road near the Des Plaines Methodist Campground.

A Canada goose waded in the water along the yellow median line, later deciding to swim toward a traffic sign.

Nearby, a picnic shelter on forest preserve property was completely submerged.