2020-Feb-03
February 2 Water Levels Report
The last week saw warm temperatures with the average daily high temperatures between 8 and 160F above normal depending on location. The warmer air was accompanied by above average precipitation with most of the basin receiving half to an inch of precipitation.
Water levels continue to be well above average and near record high levels. From a month ago the water level on Lakes Superior is 2 inches lower, but Lakes Michigan-Huron, St Clair, Erie, and Ontario are 1, 9, 9 and 5 inches higher, respectively. Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are 4, 19, 27, 12 & 10 inches higher respectively than they were at this time last year, and 14, 39, 39, 35 & 22 inches, respectively above their long term January average. Lake Michigan-Huron, St Clair and Erie are currently 4, 2 & 1 inches, respectively higher than their previous record highs for January. In a month’s time, the levels of Lakes Superior, and Michigan-Huron are expected to be down by 3 and 1 inches, respectively, Lakes St. Clair and Erie are expected to be unchanged, and Lake Ontario is expected to increase by 1 inch.
Outflows from Lake Superior into the St. Mary’s River and Lake Michigan-Huron’s outflow into the St. Clair River are predicted to be above average for February. Lake St. Clair’s outflow through the Detroit River and Lake Erie’s outflow through the Niagara River are also forecasted to be above average in February. In addition, Lake Ontario’s outflow through the St. Lawrence River is projected to be above average for February.
High water levels and potentially record high water levels are expected to persist for at least the next six months, so flood prone areas are expected to remain vulnerable. Water levels and flows in the connecting channels can be significantly impacted by ice during the winter months.
