PHOTO BY NIC Y-C
Last year’s record-breaking high water levels on the Great Lakes are finally dropping, according to new data from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Detroit office. After an unusually high water level in 2020 and steady increases in previous years, recent data from May 14 shows a 15-inch average water level drop from this time last year in Lake Michigan-Huron, a 5-inch drop in Lake Superior, a 13-inch drop in Lake Erie, with Lake Ontario topping out at a drop of 24 inches.
Despite the lower water levels, things still aren’t back to normal, reports the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Lake Michigan-Huron still sits 18” above the long-term monthly average water level for May, and there’s still the potential for water levels to rise over the summer due to rain and snowmelt runoff, as is typical during the seasonal cycle.
Rising water levels have been observed in the Great Lakes since 2013, but recent years saw record highs that damaged shorelines, marinas and docks. But even historic low levels like those experienced in the 1990s can have a negative impact on shorelines and recreation. Fluctuating shorelines contribute to erosion, and can cause damage to infrastructure and impact lakeside recreation.
While levels are down from last year, precautions are still needed, as strong winds and storms can easily cause shoreline damage even at current levels.
For a detailed report of water levels, visit lre.usace.army.mil.
