Army Corps of Engineers releases winter water level forecast

Last month Lake Superior fell below its long-term average, adjusting for seasonal cyclicality, for the first time in seven years. The most recent forecast from the Army Corps of Engineers – Detroit District expects that to continue until at least March.

The office in charge of monitoring the Great Lakes regularly puts out six-month projections, and their most recent view will surely be welcome relief for shoreline property owners that continue to see effects from the record highs that occurred in 2019. Houghton City Manager Eric Waara says efforts to bolster infrastructure along the waterfront will most likely require a collaborative effort between the city, Michigan Tech and the National Park Service.

Water temperatures are at records for October on several Great Lakes. That will help bring the water line down. “During the fall and early winter, water levels typically decline as a result of increased evaporation,” according to Watershed Hydrology Section Chief Keith 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.”