2020-Jan-02
December 29 Water Levels Report
There have been unseasonably warm temperatures over the last week throughout the basin.
Water levels continue to be well above average and near record high levels. From a month ago water levels on Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, are down 4 & 1, inches respectively, Lake Ontario is unchanged, and Lakes St. Clair & Erie are up 1 to 2 inches. Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are 2, 16, 8, 3 & 10 inches higher respectively than they were at this time last year, and 11, 35, 30, 27 & 19 inches, respectively above their long term December average. In a month’s time, the levels of Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron are expected to continue their seasonal decline, while Lakes St. Clair, Erie, and Ontario are forecast to be 1 to 2 inches above their current level.
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 December. 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 December. In addition, Lake Ontario’s outflow through the St. Lawrence River is projected to be above average for December.
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.
