2019-May-28
May 25th Water Levels Report
Higher than normal precipitation is expected to continue this week. Total precipitation is expected to be between 0.5-3 inches for the Great Lakes Basin and may result in more flooding.
This heavy precipitation and high flows have continued to contribute to rising lake levels. Since the previous month, Lakes St. Clair, Superior, Michigan-Huron, and Erie have risen 5, 6, 7, and 8 inches respectively. Lake Ontario has risen 21 inches since April. All lakes are currently experiencing higher water levels than this time last year, with a range of 7 to 12 additional inches for Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, and Erie. Lake Ontario is currently 20 inches higher than the previous year’s level. For the month of June, Lake Superior is predicted to rise 3 inches and Lake Michigan-Huron is predicted to rise 2 inches. Lake St. Clair is predicted to have no water level change, while Lake Erie and Ontario are expected to fall 2 inches and 1 inch respectively. Lakes Superior, St. Clair, and Erie are all currently above record monthly highs by 2 to 5 inches, while Lake Ontario is tied for its record monthly high and Lake Michigan-Huron is 2 inches below its record high.
Lake Superior’s outflow through the St. Mary’s River, and Lake Michigan-Huron’s outflow into the St. Clair River, are forecasted to be above average in May. Outflows from Lake St. Clair through the Detroit River are also predicted to be above average.
Best Regards
Rupert
Rupert Kindersley
Executive Director
(416) 985-7378