Great Lakes hit lowest levels since record keeping began in 1918

[Some Guy]

Great Lakes hit lowest levels since record keeping began in 1918

by Roxanne Werly
Posted: 02.06.2013 at 5:21 AM

http://www.upnorthlive.com/news/story.aspx?id=856940

TRAVERSE CITY -- Lake Michigan and Lake Huron hit the lowest water
levels ever recorded on the Great Lakes.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said tests taken in January show the
lakes were 29 inches below their long-term average and had declined 17
inches since January 2012.

The other Great Lakes, Superior, Erie and Ontario were also well below
average.

Scientists say the drought and other natural forces, along with dredging
of rivers that drain from the lakes, have contributed to the level
drops.

Low water causes economic concerns by forcing cargo ships to carry
lighter loads, leaving boat docks high and dry, and damaging fish
spawning areas.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports a preliminary new record low
water level for Lake Michigan-Huron for the second month in a row.

The new record low of 175.57 meters or 576.02 feet is not only the
lowest January monthly average water level ever recorded, but also the
lowest monthly average ever recorded for any month over the official
period of record for Great Lakes water levels, which extends back to
1918.

The Corps latest forecasts indicate a strong likelihood for continued
record lows on Lake Michigan-Huron over the next several months.Water
levels on the remaining Great Lakes are expected to remain below their
respective long-term average water levels, but above record lows.

"Not only have water levels on Michigan-Huron broken records the past
two months, but they have been very near record lows for the last
several months before then.Lake Michigan-Huron's water levels have also
been below average for the past 14 years, which is the longest period of
sustained below average levels since 1918 for that lake" said John
Allis, Chief of the Great Lakes Hydraulics and Hydrology Office at the
Corps, the office that monitors Great Lakes water levels.

The current record low water levels on Lake Michigan-Huron are the
result of lower than average snowfall during the winter of 2011-2012,
coupled with the very hot and dry summer.Together these conditions led
to only a 4 inch seasonal rise of Lake Michigan-Huron in 2012, compared
to an average rise of 12 inches.Also, evaporation was significantly
above average during the summer and fall months and contributed to a
very rapid seasonal decline.

Above average precipitation and snow cover coupled with below average
evaporation this winter are needed to raise Lake Michigan-Huron water
levels above record lows.However, it would take similar conditions over
many seasons for levels to rise to near average levels.