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Lakes Michigan /Huron ( our basin ) has dramatically receded since our dangerously high water of 96/97. Michigan/Huron is currently 11" below the monthly August average and 17" lower than August 20, 1998. The lake has declined 2" since July 20,1999. The ACOE ( Army Corps of Engineers) is forecasting that we should see the water levels go down two inches over the next month. Sources within the ACOE believe that our basin will be below average up to 13" pending overall precipitation and evaporative effects.
Association members can monitor facts and predictions by either obtaining the free monthly bulletin issued by the ACOE or accessing http://www.lre.usace.army.mil/levels/hmpglv.html on the Internet. Another good web page for your education is the NOAA page. This site is maintained by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). The NOAA service allows you to see various site level calculations measured at 6 minute intervals at gauges set up by the federal government. Our nearest gauge is at Ludington and is a good indicator of our site-specific level. It is interesting to note that storms and other atmospheric conditions can create short-term water rise of almost a foot. As a result, our portion of the lake may be higher or lower than the ACOE report.
Members are reminded that sand buildup both on shore and in the water has significant influence on beach breadth and depth. Declining lake levels don't impact shifting sand regimes.
Click Here for ACOE Lake Levels
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