Lake levels
The latest report from the International Lake Superior Board of Control and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers:
The monthly mean water level of Lake Superior in May was 183.53 m (602.13 ft). This is 18 cm (7 in) above the long-term (1918-2014) May average and the highest May level since 1997. The net water supplies to Lake Superior were above average in May. The level of Lake Superior rose 11 cm (4 in) last month, while on average the lake rises 10 cm in May. The Lake Superior level at the beginning-of-June is 19 cm (7 in) above average, 5 cm (2 in) above the level recorded a year ago at this time, and 39 cm (15 in) above its chart datum level.
The monthly mean water level of Lake Michigan-Huron in May was 176.59 m (579.36 ft). This is 12 cm (5 in) above the long-term (1918-2014) May average, the highest May level since 1998. The net water supplies to Lake Michigan- Huron were approximately average in May. The level of Lake Michigan-Huron rose 8 cm (3 in) last month, which is the average rise in May. The level of Lake Michigan-Huron is 14 cm (6 in) above its long-term average beginning-of- June level, 31 cm (12 in) higher than it was a year ago, and 64 cm (25 in) above its chart datum level.
The levels of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan-Huron are both expected to continue their seasonal rise in June.
The Big Fish Flush
SooToday's Michael Purvis on Lake Superior State University's Atlantic salmon rearing program:
Tuesday night, under cover of darkness, [Ashley] Moerke and a team of LSSU staff and students released an estimated 29,800 fish.
It’s an annual event, complete with a graduation speech from the university’s president and a celebratory eating of cake (by the guests, not the fish) before the salmon are sucked from their raceways down tubes that lead directly to the St. Marys River.
Thunder Bay marine communications have changed
Mariners on Lake Superior in the Thunder Bay area can no longer radio a city based operator for help if they run into trouble.
Since May 29, vessel operators have been talking to a communications base in Sarnia as part of a national project to modernize marine communications and traffic services.
+ The Superior Hiking Trail on Minnesota's North Shore has a new segment, reports the Duluth News Tribune.
+ This BuzzFeed list of underrated vacation spots includes several on Lake Superior.
+ Brooke Kansier, Great Lakes Echo: "A new water safety campaign is taking to social media to keep Great Lakes swimmers safe this summer as the hot sands and sparkling waters of beach season fast approach."
+ Marquette announced the winner of its Blueberry Festival Poster Contest.
+ Paul Sundberg photographs adorable red fox kits. There can't possibly be a better way to wrap up the week.