Elevated river levels and shifting river ice possible later this week... The risk for elevated river levels and shifting river ice will steadily increase this week due to warming temperatures and light rainfall. The highest risk for elevated river levels and shifting river ice is along the Kankakee, Iroquois, and Vermilion rivers, with a lower risk along the Fox and Illinois rivers. A substantial snow cover exists across most of northern Illinois, with water equivalent values up to 2.0 inches. In addition, heavy ice cover exists on most area rivers with multiple ongoing ice jams, and near surface soils are frozen to a depth of several inches. River gauges have indicated that runoff has begun with some snowmelt partially blocked by the frozen soils underneath. Temperatures are currently forecasted to remain in the 30s which generally supports a gradual melt of the snow pack, but there remains a chance for temperatures late week to reach as high as the lower 40s. Warmer temperatures would increase the speed of melt and increase the chance for flooding along streams and rivers. Standing water may occur small creeks and other poor drainage areas. Shifting river ice along area rivers remains possible with a risk for break-up ice jams. This outlook means that elevated water levels and potential impacts are possible, but not yet certain. Persons with interests along area rivers should closely monitor the latest forecasts. This product will be updated by tomorrow afternoon.