Weather patterns will continue to impact Great Lakes in 2013

Water levels in the Great Lakes will continue to be the focus of attention and concern during 2013.

As 2012 ended, Lake Michigan was barely above the its record low mark established in 1964.



For monitoring purposes, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers considers lakes Hurons and Superior to be one body of water.

Measurements taken just before Christmas showed it was 17 inches lower when compared with the same period in 2011.

Lake Superior was down one inch from a year ago at the same time.

Elsewhere, Lake Ontario was 14 inches lower, Lake Erie had fallen by  24 inches and Lake St. Clair showed a drop of 21 inches. 



Levels in all of the Great Lakes are expected to fall farther in January.

Weather conditions over the winter will have some impact, one way or the other.

Significant precipitation would improve levels to some extent.

And substantial ice cover would help to reduce evaporation.

Limited snowfall last winter, along with a warm and dry summer, contributed to lower levels in 2012.

Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP Carol Hughes discussed the issue in a communication to constituents.

"Since the summer my office has seen one issue pop up consistently, week to week and month to month - the low water levels in Lake Huron and Lake Michigan,” Hughes wrote.

“I have received, letters, e-mails, phone calls and a large petition from Manitoulin Island on the subject. People’s concerns range from shoreline habitat degradation to the protection of their own structures like docks and boat ramps.“

Hughes went on to discuss why water levels are changing so dramatically.

“There are actually a number of good explanations for the disappearing water. Isostatic rebound, a geologic term for the way land compressed by glaciers rebounds, is one reason for some change, but this is incremental and we are unable to do a thing about it. [Overuse] and diversion of water from Lake Michigan are likely culprits, but they are difficult to pin down. The one thing we could do is address the increased flow of Lake Huron water into the St. Clair River. This happens when we clear material (dredge) for that river’s shipping channel."

Later she observed: “If left as is, the wetlands of Huron and Michigan will soon be high and dry. The wildlife, plants and fish that use these areas as nurseries will be forced to seek other areas at best, but will more likely suffer.  Property owners will have to spend to keep up with the receding shoreline and public money will need to be spent to keep marinas and ports serviceable. South Baymouth’s harbor already requires work so that the Chi Chemaun ferry can reach the wharf safely. These are significant costs that should not be allowed to mount uncontested.

“These lakes are world famous treasures and we are responsible for protecting them as best we can. It is our heritage and will be our legacy.”

The file photo shown from readers Chuck and Teresa Parker shows the effects of wind on low water levels in the St. Marys River between St. Joseph Island and Neebish Island just below Green Point in mid-October 2012.

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