U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials forecast Great Lakes water levels to continue seasonal water level decline in the coming months.
Detroit District Watershed Hydrology Section Chief Keith Kompoltowicz and Watershed Hydrology Section Physical Scientist and lead water level forecaster Dee Apps discuss this fall and winter’s water levels outlook in the fourth ‘On the Level’ video, available on the district’s website at https://go.usa.gov/xFEWx. The outlook is based on the latest six-month water level forecast.
“During the fall and early winter, water levels typically decline as a result of increased evaporation,” according to Kompoltowicz. “Evaporation is highest during this time of year as a result of the colder air that enters the region and moves over the relatively warm lake water surfaces.”
The Detroit District’s Hydraulics and Hydrology Branch forecasts and monitors Great Lakes water levels and the conditions leading to water level fluctuations. The District’s Great Lakes coastal program encompasses all U.S. lakes Superior and Huron shores, Lake Michigan shores, except for the Illinois shoreline, and Lake Erie’s western portion.
The section also produces a monthly bulletin illustrating observed and projected water levels in comparison to average and record high and low levels for Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, Erie and Ontario. Property owners, boaters, industries and many others use the bulletin as a source for water level information.
The most recent six-month forecast, covering months October to March is available on the district’s website at: https://go.usa.gov/xFEWx.
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