According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Lake Michigan water levels are on the rise and will continue rising come spring and summer. Just one year ago, in January 2013, lake levels were at an all-time low, plummeting 28 inches below average.
Following a seemingly endless winter, 92 percent of Lake Michigan was covered with ice, which prevented evaporation. According to USACE, the abundance of ice mixed with upcoming warmer temperatures means that water levels could approach normal levels for the first time in 15 years.
Boaters and business owners on and around Lake Michigan hope that the increase will lead to heightened interest from tourists and safer boating.
Photo by Mark Bauhs
