Lake Superior rose 6 inches in June, twice the month's average increase, but the 14-year streak of below-average levels continues.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District:
The monthly mean water level of Lake Superior was 601.25 feet for the month of June, which is a rise of 6 inches from May’s level. The average rise for Lake Superior from May to June is 3 inches. The June level was 2 inches above its level of last year, 2 inches above chart datum, and 7 inches below long‐term average (LTA). Lake Superior continues its 14 year stretch of below LTA water levels, the longest period of below average levels in its recorded history dating back to 1918. Precipitation on the Lake Superior basin was below average in June at 89%. The water level of Lake Superior is forecasted to be 10 to 15 inches above record low water levels over the next six months. The Superior level is expected to be 4 to 6 inches above chart datum through November and 1 inch above chart datum in December. The water levels are forecasted to be 2 to 9 inches above last year’s level over the next six months and 6 inches below LTA through December.
According to the Corps, Lakes Michigan-Huron also rose more than normal, but the levels remain 19 inches below the long-term average. Lake Erie, which this June measured the same as last year, is 4 inches below average. Lake Ontario was up 9 inches, to 2 inches above its long-term average.