A short-term forecast prepared by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers predicts water levels will continue rising for the next six months. Lake Michigan is expected to be 9 to 14 inches higher than during that period in 2013 --- although that will still be 9 to 12 inches below the long-term average for the lake. This news was published in Crain's Chicago Business and was spotted by John Nelson.
Lake Superior is forecast to reach 13 inches higher than a year ago this spring and might edge above its long-term average for March. If so, it would be the first time the lake has topped its monthly average since 1998 according to Keith Kornpoltowicz, hydrology branch chief of the Corps of Engineers Detroit district office.
Lakes Erie and Ontario are expected to move above their long-term averages in the next few months but could dip below them as the summer wears on.
Despite the improving levels, Kompoltowicz cautioned it is too early to declare the lean times over. "There's always a chance that beyond that six-month window, a return to drier conditions happens.," he said.