2020-Jan-27
January 26 Water Levels Report
Water levels continue to be well above average and near record high levels. From a month ago the water level on Lakes Superior is unchanged, but Lakes Michigan-Huron, St Clair, Erie, and Ontario are 3, 4, 6 and 3 inches higher, respectively. Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie & Ontario are 4, 20, 21, 8 & 8 inches higher respectively than they were at this time last year, and 15, 39, 37, 32 & 20 inches, respectively above their long term January average. Lake Michigan-Huron is currently 5 inches higher than its previous record high for January and is the only lake that currently exceeds its previous record high for January. 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 is expected to increase by 1 and 3 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.
