Lake Superior water levels above average
NEGAUNEE TOWNSHIP — The above-average precipitation that’s fallen over the Lake Superior basin over the past couple of years has resulted in higher than average water levels.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has noted that levels are roughly nine inches higher than usual for this time of year. Due to evaporation and a majority of precipitation being snow water levels are expected to taper off over the next few months before the spring and summer thaw.
“As we go into the spring and summer months, then we’ll see an upward trend, and as long as we’re, precipitation-wise, staying near normal, or even if we end up a little below normal, it still looks like Lake Superior levels will stay at, or above, normal for the foreseeable future,” National Weather Service meteorologist Steven Fleegel said.
Despite water levels being above average it doesn’t mean floods are imminent come springtime. It never hurts to be cautious, though, as floods are possible with strong winds and high tides.
“Especially with the water levels now being similar to what we saw back in 1996 and 1997, we’re seeing that potential for some lakeshore flooding to be more common now, and we’ve seen that issue here in the Marquette area with the road there along the lakeshore that they’ve closed at times,” Fleegel said.
No precipitation will contribute to lake levels this week as the forecast calls for some sun and above normal temperatures.