2019-May-19
May 18th Water Levels Report
So far this month, the Great Lakes basin has received about 20% more than normal precipitation. As a result of continued wet conditions, stream-flows remain above normal for this time of year. In addition, strong easterly winds combined with current high water levels resulted in flooding along the shores of Lake Huron, Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie, and the Detroit and St. Clair Rivers. The forecast calls for wet conditions to continue. They certainly are today!
The persistent wet conditions and high stream-flows this spring have resulted in a rapid rise in lake levels. As of May 14, the daily levels of Lake Superior, St. Clair, and Erie were all above their record high monthly mean levels for May. Over the last month, Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, and Erie have risen 7 to 10 inches, while Lake Ontario has risen 23 inches. Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron are 10 and 9 inches higher than they were at this time last year, respectively. Lakes St. Clair and Erie are both 6 inches higher than last year, and Lake Ontario is 17 inches higher than its level of one year ago. After the next 30 days, Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron are forecast to be 3 inches higher, and Lake Ontario 5 inches higher.
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. Lake Erie’s outflow through the Niagara River and the outflow of Lake Ontario through the St. Lawrence River are forecasted to be above average for May as well.
Best Regards
Rupert
Rupert Kindersley
Executive Director