Tyler Creek, Illinois, US |
|
| Usual Difficulty | I-II (varies with level) |
|---|---|
| Avg. Gradient | 21 fpm |
| Max Gradient | 21 fpm |
| Name | Range | Difficulty | Updated | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TYLER CREEK AT ELGIN, IL | ||||
| usgs-05550300 | 100 - 500 cfs | I | 5d01h36m | 34 cfs (rc= -0.6 ) |
Too low. Gauge (38.9 sq.mi. drainage) is on this reach, thus very accurately portrays flow in this reach. |
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Quick Facts:
Location: Elgin, IL.
Shuttle Length: 2.4 miles. (See details in "Directions" Tab.)
Character: In town run, through wooded parks, past homes, and finishing on a college campus.
Drainage area: approximately 38.9 square miles (at gauge at Big Timber Road).
Put-in elevation is approximately 795'.
Take-out elevation is approximately 710'.
Thus total elevation change is approximately 85'.
Information (lat, lng, elev, total drop, run length, shuttle length) adjusted and/or verified
from best manual extrapolation of online data (via maps.google.com, distance measuring tool, and
other resources). 2009.03.10
Richard DeGroat (Sugar Grove) and Andy Smith (Hinckley) provide (2009-03-14):
Not a bad little creek at all for the beginner boater at a low level (around 100 cfs) and the
intermediate paddler at a higher level (200 cfs plus). The day we ran it it was rather low but
still enjoyable (112 cfs). A couple of strainers that hopefully at higher levels would be
overcome with water (always scout if inexperienced with river reading). From the old dam at the
park down to Judson College is where the creek really comes alive. Can't wait to paddle it at
around 275 cfs. which I think will be an ideal level.
We have no specific info on viable put-in location, shuttle information, drops or features. We
encourage additional input from any knowledgeable paddler.
There are reports that Judson College (and its security
personnel) are likely to take issue with boaters being on this stream.
The USGS gauge is at Big Timber Road, which is about 1.4 miles upstream from the Fox River. Being on this reach, the gauge will be very accurate at showing the actual flow in the reach.
Min Sug. Level ('Minimum Suggested Level') is strictly a guess, based solely upon 10% flow. Best levels for runnability are not known. Anyone with suggestions for minimum level (for a decent whitewater experience) is encouraged to provide input via the "Comments" tab.
Max Sug. Level ('Maximum Suggested Level') is strictly a guess, solely to represent levels 'above the norm'. The river may be runnable much higher, and, in fact, many experienced boaters may prefer levels above this value, indeed often using it as almost their 'minimum'! However, paddlers who find this reach (at it's 'normal' levels) to be perhaps at the extent of their personal comfort level and whitewater skills, are likely to be pushed beyond safety and comfort as the river exceeds this 'Max Sug. Level'. While the inherent difficulty ('class' rating) of individual rapids or the run as a whole may or may not increase, the consequence of a mishap almost certainly will. Best levels for runnability are not known. Anyone with suggestions for maximum level (for average boaters to have a decent whitewater experience) is encouraged to provide input via the "Comments" tab.
| Gauge/flow analysis (based on USGS data, 1998.05.28-2009.03.10) |
|
| Drainage area at gauge | 38.9 sq.mi. |
| Minimum daily mean flow (2003.09.10) | 0.66 cfs |
| 90% of time flow exceeds | 2.5 cfs |
| 10% of time flow exceeds | 77 cfs |
| Maximum daily mean flow (2007.08.24) | 1030 cfs |
| 10/90 ratio ('flashy-ness') (under 3 is quite steady, over 10 is quite 'flashy') |
30.8 |
| Name | Range | Difficulty | Updated | Level | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TYLER CREEK AT ELGIN, IL | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| usgs-05550300 | 100 - 500 cfs | I | 5d01h36m | 34 cfs (rc= -0.6 ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Too low. |
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|
Gauge (38.9 sq.mi. drainage) is on this reach, thus very accurately portrays flow in this reach. |
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| When | River/Gauge | Subject | Level | Reporter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2y335d13h36m | Tyler CreekElgin: Eagle Heights Park to Fox River (4 miles) *** Access Issues *** [IL] |
Old dam by park
|
112 | Andy Smith |
| Mile | Rapid Name | Class | Features (Legend) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | USGS Gauge | ||
| 0.0 | Wing Park Wave | II |   |
Convenient parking in Wing Park (for the pool) can provide access to this wave for park-and-play. In the event that this runs in summer, expect spectators as they head across the pedestrian bridge to the pool.
reach
state
reachlink
Elgin: Eagle Heights Park to Fox River (4 miles) *** Access Issues ***, Tyler Creek Illinois, US (mobile)
User Comments
whitewater, but was a pretty fun float with only 2 or 3 portages over log jams. The fun began at
the public pool area next to the golf corse a bit before going under 31. There was a class II- or
class I+ drop there that I played in for quite some time while people watched from the walk bridge
going over to the pool. Past that there were some small waves and some very small drops all the way
to Judson college with a couple more portages. On the campus, there was a class I drop that was
also fun to play in. I took out at the Judson campus and the bacon bits (security) came and got on
to me for paddling in their creek. We argued and I told them that I would paddle there whenever I
wanted, but would stay off of their property because I am obviously such a menace to their
students. My suggestion would be to put in at the pool near the golf corse and park and play there
or go on down to the judson campus, but have a shuttle vehicle ready there because they may not be
friendly. Anybody want to paddle in Chi-town or elsewhere, feel free to give me a call: John Hudson
630-550-9832 Edit