Lake Michigan water levels

[tkaser3210]

I'm a little concerned about some scattered references I've seen lately to the low water levels in Lake Michigan. I have a slip in South Haven, but haven't been to the lake since late last fall.

Anybody have any actual observations or reports?

 

[joker460]

I use this site to show water levels across the great lakes

http://www.great-lakes.net/conditions/michigan.html

 

[Paladin27]

South Haven Harbor has a Facebook page and on their wall they posted the following.

Based on an unofficial survey of the Black River on March 18, there is adequate depth for boats of up to 4.5 feet in the main channel. Lake levels are low, but are expected to rise one half to three quarters of a foot in April and May.

 

[Ray Bowles]

Grand Coulee Dam - Lake Roosevelt water levels.

We sail on Lake Roosevelt behind Grand Coulee Dam and because of our above average snow pack in the northwest area the water level is currently 53 feet lower than its summer pool level. This is done so the spring run-off water can be captured for use later. It is planned to take the lake down a total of 70 feet. The lake is 132 miles long so that is one heck of a lot of water.
We can still use our launch ramp up to the lake level being 56 feet down. The lake is always full by July 1st. In June they can raise the level 3 to 5 feet a day. A interesting bit about the incomming water is that 100 miles above the dam where we are the water level is about 1 to 1 1/2 feet higher than the level at the dam. This is caused by the force of the incomming water being backed up as it pushes the water ahead if it.
We can start sailing usually by May 1st.
Ray

 

[Joe]

We sail on Lake Roosevelt behind Grand Coulee Dam and because of our above average snow pack in the northwest area the water level is currently 53 feet lower than its summer pool level. This is done so the spring run-off water can be captured for use later. It is planned to take the lake down a total of 70 feet. The lake is 132 miles long so that is one heck of a lot of water.
We can still use our launch ramp up to the lake level being 56 feet down. The lake is always full by July 1st. In June they can raise the level 3 to 5 feet a day. A interesting bit about the incomming water is that 100 miles above the dam where we are the water level is about 1 to 1 1/2 feet higher than the level at the dam. This is caused by the force of the incomming water being backed up as it pushes the water ahead if it.
We can start sailing usually by May 1st.
Ray

So....... are you implying they should dam Lake Michigan?

 

[Scott B]

Lake Michigan / Huron, water levels are currently approx. 12" below last year and are close to the all time low from the 60's. They are predicting anywhere from 8-10" below last years levels for this summer. Depending on how much rainfall we get over the next couple of months will determine how much below last year and if we're above or below chart datum.

USACE Water Monthly Level Bulletin

NOAA 2011 levels vs 2010

Hard to say wether it's permanent or just part of the cycle.

NOAA 1860 -2011 Michigan - Huron water levels