2019-Oct-13
October 13 Water Levels Report
From a month ago: Lake Superior and Lake Michigan-Huron water levels are up 1 to 2 inches; and Lakes St. Clair, Erie, and Ontario are 1, 4, and 8 inches, respectively, below. The levels for all of the lakes on October 11th were lower than the lakes’ October record high monthly average levels by a range of 1 to 7 inches. In addition, the lakes are 7 to 18 inches higher than they were at this time last year. Both Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron are predicted to fall 2 inches over the next 30 days, while Lakes St. Clair and Erie are projected to decline 4 to 5 inches. The level of Lake Ontario is projected to drop 7 inches over the next month.
Outflow from Lake Superior into the St. Mary’s River is forecasted to be above average for October. Lake Michigan-Huron’s outflow through the St. Clair River and Lake St. Clair’s outflow through the Detroit River, are also projected to be above average in October. Moreover, Lake Erie’s outflow through the Niagara River and Lake Ontario’s outflow through the St. Lawrence River are predicted to be above average for October.
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.
