Great Lakes levels expected to be down this summer, still higher than average

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The latest forecast from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers expects water levels on the Great Lakes to come down this summer, closer to average.

Lake levels typically wane in the fall and winter and rise in the spring and summer, but lower snow totals and higher evaporation rates from a lack of ice will slow down this year’s swing.

Data: Great Lakes hit record low for ice levels

According to the USACE’s February water level summary, Lake Michigan-Huron — counted together because the two lakes share a basin — is currently four inches above its long-term average for February.

Forecasts expect Michigan-Huron to be between 1 and 6 inches below last year’s lake levels. That would be roughly 32 inches below the record highs, and only 1 to 3 inches above the long-term average.

Data: All 5 Great Lakes at record lows for ice cover

Lake Superior and Lake Ontario are expected to come in below long-term average levels this summer, while Lake Erie is expected to stay 6 to 13 inches above the long-term average.

The Great Lakes saw a surge in the 2010s after setting a record low in 2013. The high levels led to widespread erosion, which meant less room on beaches. In some cases, it even meant houses or other parts of property lost to the lake.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.