by Kevin Zimmermann
UNDATED (WHBL) – Lake Michigan shorelines are getting no breaks from high water levels and erosion as levels remain at or near record highs. The Army Corps of Engineers reports monthly record high levels for February were set on lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron and Erie. The previous records date back to 1986 for our shores.
Dry weather with more-than-usual evaporation last month weren’t enough to offset the usual seasonal rise that results from rainfall and runoff, and with typical annual peak levels not expected until late summer or early fall, more records can be expected.
Substantial erosion has occurred along much of the Great Lakes coastline thanks to big waves that resulted from strong winter storms. Army Corps Hydrologist John Allis reports that those along the coastline can expect more of the same in the coming months, and he’s urging those along the coast to prepare accordingly.
