Lake Superior at Michigan's Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Upper Great Lakes

The upper Great Lakes are Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, and Erie, which are separated from Lake Ontario by the Niagara escarpment. Their levels and flows are decided by natural factors and are influenced by regulation of the outflow of Lake Superior. The upper Great Lakes have been studied by the IJC, the most recent International Upper Great Lakes Study can be accessed at the link below. For information on the Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence System, click here.

 

Regulation and Control Boards in the upper Great Lakes 

  • International Lake Superior Board of Control
    • The Lake Superior Board of Control regulates the outflow of Lake Superior and manages the control works on the St. Marys River
  • International Niagara Board of Control 
    • The Niagara Board of Control monitors the operation of the Chippawa-Grass Island Pool control structure above Niagara Falls, and oversees the annual installation and removal of an ice boom at the outlet of Lake Erie

 

Reports and Studies

Upper Great Lakes Study 2012
  • The International Upper Great Lakes Study (2012)
    • The International Upper Great Lakes Study was a bi-national team effort spanning more than five years. More than 200 scientists, engineers, planners and technical experts drawn from a wide range of disciplines and from governments, academia and the private sector, contributed to the Study’s planning, applied research and analysis.  Their efforts and professionalism helped produce a comprehensive Study based on sound science and peer-reviewed analysis.