By Jeff Kart
Dec 21, 2010
The Great Lakes are seeing larger-than-average declines in water levels so far this year.
Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron are 9 and 14 inches (22.9 and 35.6 centimeters) below their levels of a year ago, according to the latest forecast from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Lake Erie is 7 inches (17.8 centimeters) below last year's level. Lake Ontario has seen an increase, of about 1 inch from a year ago.
It’s still too early to say how large this season’s decline will be, say officials from Environment Canada.
During the next month, Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron are expected to decline 3 and 2 inches, respectively, according to U.S. government data. Lake Erie is expected to remain steady, while Lake Ontario is due for a 1-inch decline.
The outflows from Lake Superior into the St. Mary’s River and from Lake Huron into the St. Clair River also are expected to be below average in December. The water levels of Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron are expected to remain below chart datum for the next six months.
For more information on Great Lakes water levels, see the Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab, and LEVELnews, from Environment Canada.
Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron are 9 and 14 inches (22.9 and 35.6 centimeters) below their levels of a year ago, according to the latest forecast from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Lake Erie is 7 inches (17.8 centimeters) below last year's level. Lake Ontario has seen an increase, of about 1 inch from a year ago.
It’s still too early to say how large this season’s decline will be, say officials from Environment Canada.
During the next month, Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron are expected to decline 3 and 2 inches, respectively, according to U.S. government data. Lake Erie is expected to remain steady, while Lake Ontario is due for a 1-inch decline.
The outflows from Lake Superior into the St. Mary’s River and from Lake Huron into the St. Clair River also are expected to be below average in December. The water levels of Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron are expected to remain below chart datum for the next six months.
For more information on Great Lakes water levels, see the Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab, and LEVELnews, from Environment Canada.