Lake Superior Water Levels Expected To Remain Below Normal

Sure there's rain and snow in the forecast.  Yes, it's been a "snowier than usual" winter.  Agreed, the annual spring run-off will make some inroads.  But none of that changes the fact that experts expect the below normal levels of water in Lake Superior to continue.

And - those below normal levels of water are expected to continue throughout the remainder of the year.

The International Lake Superior Board of Control has weighed in on current and expected conditions for the Great Lake.  According to the information included in an article in the Superior Telegram [paywall], Lake Superior is at its "likely low point" for the year in March; the drop in March is a natural part of the lakes (and our regions) cycle.

The board expects that water levels in the big lake will start to head the other way as the spring thaw occurs in April.  In fact, their monthly report suggests that "the lake could increase as much as 6 inches [during the month] as more water flows in" from the ice and snow melt that runs along the rivers that empty into Lake Superior.

That report shows that Lake Superior is currently "3.5 inches below the long term average".  Additionally, the lake is "11.4 inches below the level [it was in] April....2021".

Lake Superior's lower-than-average water levels contrast what occurred in Lakes Huron and Michigan.  Those lakes "rose nearly 2 inches in March, slightly more than average, and now sit 9.4 inches above average for April 1".  But, even with that increase, Huron and Michigan are "14 inches below this time last year and 28 inches below the record level for this time set in 2020".

While Lake Superior's stagnant water level (i.e. continuing to remain below average) is concerning, it's not alarming - in that the Great Lake does peak and trough as part of a longer-term cycle.

The low water levels should also please property owners along Lake Superior.  Lower water levels "should lessen wind and wave damage compared to high-water years".