Flood Resources
Flooding on the main stem of the Fox River can happen slowly and flash flooding can be experienced, especially along the smaller tributary streams.
The Chain of Lakes drains 1250 square miles. This is nearly the size of all of Lake County, IL. Over 70% of that drainage basin comes from Wisconsin.
FOX RIVER DAMS
Most of these dams were built during 1830-1850 to provide power for sawmills and flour mills, and ice during the winter. Over the years, these dams were improved and replaced, and they continued to provide power throughout the early part of the twentieth century.
FLOOD CONTROL FACILITIES
Flood control is typically divided into structural and non-structural activities. Structural methods include large infrastructure, levees, and regional detention facilities, as well as local stormwater management systems such as detention basins, storm sewers, and infiltration basins. Non-structural activities include flood fighting, floodplain mapping, stream maintenance, floodplain regulations, and comprehensive and land-use planning.
Flood Prep List
- MAINTAIN EXTREME CAUTION IN AND OUT OF WATER, SAFETY FIRST!
- REMOVE BOAT FROM WATER, IF POSSIBLE
- SECURE BOAT EVEN IF IT IS ON A BOAT LIFT
- WEIGH PIERS DOWN – FILL A GARBAGE CAN WITH WATER, USE CINDER BLOCKS OR BOTH
- IF THERE IS A CANOPY ON THE BOAT LIFT LEAVE A CLEARANCE OF AT LEAST 3’ BETWEEN BOAT AND CANOPY
- SANDBAG AROUND DWELLING
- TURN OFF ANY OUTDOOR/GARDEN ELECTRIC CIRCUITS
- PICK UP YARD: KIDS TOYS, AND OTHER FLOAT-ABLE ITEMS, PATIO FURNITURE, ETC.
- HAVE A GENERATOR ON HAND
- KEEP ADULTS, KIDS, AND PETS AWAY FROM THE WATER ESPECIALLY NEAR THE RIVER DUE TO EXTREMELY POWERFUL CURRENTS!
- HAVE A LAST MINUTE EVACUATION PLAN
