The US Army Corps of Engineers released a recent report on the water levels of the Great Lakes, and those levels are below last year’s record levels but do continue their seasonal rise into the summer months. Drier conditions so far this spring have limited the seasonal rise of Lake Michigan, but there are still a few months of expected rise from increased precipitation and runoff. The dryer than normal spring we are experiencing has so far resulted in much lower lake levels than the record highs of recent years. Now in the 6th consecutive month of below average precipitation, April monthly mean levels ranged 14 to 17 inches below last year’s record high levels on Lakes Michigan, Huron, and Erie. Some lakes are still above average so coastal flooding and erosion are still possible, especially with increasd wave action during more active weather. Citizens or businesses with lakefront property considering construction projects to alleviate erosion or flooding are reminded they may require a Corps of Engineers permit as this work could possibly impact rivers, streams, wetlands, and other aquatic resources.
