2020-Jan-06
January 5 Water Levels Report
Unseasonably warm temperatures have continued throughout the basin, but are expected to return to normal ranges shortly. Precipitation in the Great Lakes basin was close to average levels in December.
Water levels continue to be well above average and near record high levels. From a month ago water levels on Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron and St Clair, are down 1- 2 inches, Lake Ontario is unchanged, and Lake Erie is up 1 inch. Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are 3, 16, 5, 3 & 9 inches higher respectively than they were at this time last year, and 15, 37, 31, 27 & 17 inches, respectively above their long term January average. In a month’s time, the levels of Lakes Superior and Michigan Huron are expected to be down by 3 and 1 inches, respectively, Lake Erie is expected to be unchanged and Lakes St. Clair and Ontario are forecast to be up by 3 and 2 inches 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 January. 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 January. In addition, Lake Ontario’s outflow through the St. Lawrence River is projected to be above average for January.
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.
