Shoreline flooding, damage possible through winter, warns Lake Superior Board of Control

The International Lake Superior Board of Control is reporting that Lake Superior water levels remain well above average, as do water levels of Lake Michigan and Huron.

In a release issued today, the board stated that shoreline erosion remains a concern, and "lakeshore flooding and coastal damages over the next several weeks" are possible.

The board "advises all those that may be affected to prepare for potentially severe coastal impacts, especially during periods of strong winds and high waves."

Fill text of the International Lake Superior Board of Control release follows:

Lake Superior and Lake Michigan-Huron water levels continue to decline, but are still well above average and the risk of high-water impact remains. Lake Superior outflows continue to be set in consideration of high levels upstream and downstream.

Last month, Lake Superior declined 10 cm (3.9 in), while on average it declines 7 cm (2.8 in) in January. Lake Michigan-Huron declined 11 cm (4.3 in) over the course of the month, while on average it declines 2 cm (0.8 in) in January.

Both lakes are expected to continue their seasonal declines in February. However, there will continue to be an increased risk of shoreline erosion, lakeshore flooding and coastal damages over the next several weeks and potentially through the winter. The International Lake Superior Board of Control (Board) advises all those that may be affected to prepare for potentially severe coastal impacts, especially during periods of strong winds and high waves.

At the beginning of February, Lake Superior is 18 cm (7.1 in) above average (1918 – 2019) and 20 cm (7.9 in) below its record-high level of a year ago. Lake Michigan-Huron is 71 cm (28 in) above average and 28 cm (11 in) below the record-high level at this time last year.

The board expects the total outflow to be 2,050 m3/s (72 tcfs) in February, which is as prescribed by Lake Superior Regulation Plan 2012. The gate setting of the control structure will be maintained at the typical winter setting equivalent to one-half gate open in February.

Shoreline businesses and property owners are reminded that the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence River Adaptive Management (GLAM) Committee continues to host an online questionnaire to allow for direct reporting on impacts related to recent high water conditions.