Water Levels To Remain High, But Not As High As Last Year

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Water levels in the Great Lakes are substantially down from their highs last year, but they will rise through the summer months. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers physical scientist Deanna Apps tells WSJM News the latest forecast does give lakeshore property owners some reason to relax.

“We usually see that peak in the summer months, and then we’ll begin a seasonal decline,” Apps said. “Our current forecast goes out six months. So, May through October. Really, all of the lakes, except Lake Ontario, we’re forecasting water levels to be below those record highs, but to stay above average.”

Apps says the level of Lake Michigan last year was very high, but still didn’t break its all-time record, set in 1986. Lakes Michigan and Huron in April were about 14 inches lower than the same time last year. Will there be more shoreline erosion this year?

“There still is a chance that we could see some impact, especially as storm systems move through. You could get some persistent winds that could cause increased wave action along the shore, but the threat is definitely less than last year.”

Apps says the Army Corps forecast is based on weather conditions, soil conditions, and temperatures. She notes the Great Lakes basin is in its sixth consecutive month of below average precipitation.