The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, announced that based on widespread September rainfall across the region, the forecasted water levels for October 4th are 1-2 inches higher than last month (September 4th) for Lake Superior and Lake Huron.
Green Bay, Wisconsin, has already set a new record for precipitation for 2019, with more rain to come. The current total is 40 inches with 3 months remaining in the year.
Lake Superior’s water level currently sits at 603.31 feet, which is 7 inches higher than it was October 4, 2018.
Based on preliminary August data, Lake Superior tied its record high for the month while Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie established new record high monthly mean water levels in August.
Water levels on Lake Michigan-Huron and Lake Ontario were slightly below record highs, but still very high compared to average.
The Detroit District monitors the Great Lakes’ water levels and provides the data and analysis of these findings as a public service. Recent data is revealing interesting trends and the possibility of high levels again during the fall and early winter.
“The fall and early winter often bring significant storm systems to the Great Lakes,” said Keith Kompoltowicz, chief of Watershed Hydrology, Detroit District. “These systems have the potential to bring tremendous impacts to the coastlines including more erosion and coastal flooding, even with the declining lake levels. Those with interests along the shoreline should be prepared for these events.”
The August and September levels continue a trend of new records set on the Great Lakes this spring and summer. Lakes Superior, St. Clair, Erie and Ontario all reached new record highs. In June, the records for Lakes Erie and Ontario are the highest for any month dating back to 1918, while the July level for Lake St. Clair was the highest in the period of record. Lake Michigan- Huron was less than one inch from its June record. Additional record high water levels are possible on all the Great Lakes and Lake St. Clair this fall.
Areas affected by coastal flooding or erosion can contact the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers for help
“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has several programs that may be able to assist government entities such as local communities, counties or states,” said Jim Luke, outreach coordinator.
For additional information, contact Emily Schaefer, public affairs specialist, at 313-226- 4681 at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District.
To find updates on the Great Lakes high water information visit the Detroit District Website at: www.lre.usace.army. mil
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