2019-Dec-02
December 1 Water Levels Report
Forecasts indicate a strong storm arriving this weekend in the basin.
Water levels continue to be well above average and near record high levels – in fact, the lakes are 18 to 33 inches above their monthly average November level. From a month ago water levels on all the Lakes are down 2 to 3 inches. Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are 3, 16, 7, 2 & 13 inches higher respectively than they were at this time last year. In a month’s time, Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie and Ontario are projected to be 2, 3, 1, 1 & 1 inches lower respectively.
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 November. 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 November. In addition, Lake Ontario’s outflow through the St. Lawrence River is projected to be above average for November.
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.
