DETROIT - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Detroit District reported a
preliminary new record low water level for Lake Michigan-Huron. The new record
low of 175.57 meters, or 576.02', is not only the lowest January monthly
average water level ever recorded, but also the lowest monthly average ever
recorded for any month over the official period of record for Great Lakes water
levels, which extends back to 1918. The Corps latest forecasts indicate a
strong likelihood for continued record lows on Lake Michigan-Huron over the
next several months. Water levels on the remaining Great Lakes are expected to
remain below their respective long-term average water levels, but above record
lows.
“Not only have water levels on Michigan-Huron broken records
the past two months, but they have been very near record lows for the last
several months before then. Lake Michigan-Huron’s water levels have also been
below average for the past 14 years, which is the longest period of sustained
below average levels since 1918 for that lake,” John Allis, chief of the
Great Lakes Hydraulics and Hydrology Office at the Corps, the office that
monitors Great Lakes water levels, said in a prepared statement.
In this report from UpNorth News, you can see how locals are
being affected, as well as hear from Durocher Marine, out of Sheboygan, Wis., who
said that with the increased difficulties also comes new work opportunities:
The current record low water levels on Lake Michigan-Huron,
the Corps reported, are the result of lower than average snowfall during the
winter of 2011-2012, coupled with the very hot and dry summer. Together these
conditions led to only a 4 inch seasonal rise of Lake Michigan-Huron in 2012,
compared to an average rise of 12 inches. Also, evaporation was significantly
above average during the summer and fall months and contributed to a very rapid
seasonal decline.
Above average precipitation and snow cover coupled with
below average evaporation this winter are needed to raise Lake Michigan-Huron
water levels above record lows. However, it would take similar conditions over
many seasons for levels to rise to near average levels.