International Lake Superior Board of Control

Water levels across the Great Lakes system have begun their seasonal decline, but they remain near record-highs for this time of year. The International Lake Superior Board of Control (Board) expects the total outflow from Lake Superior to be 2,840 m3/s in September, which is as prescribed by Lake Superior Regulation Plan 2012. The gate setting at the Compensating Works will be maintained at the equivalent of nine gates fully open.

Water levels across the Great Lakes system remain near or above record-highs for this time of year. Lake Superior is expected to remain relatively stable in August and Lake Michigan-Huron is expected to begin its seasonal decline. The gate setting at the Compensating Works will be increased to the equivalent of nine gates fully open. This will be achieved by raising Gates #7 through #10 on August 5th and 6th.

Wet conditions continued across the Lake Michigan-Huron basin in June and resulted in water levels rising to record highs by the end of the month. Conditions were relatively drier in the Lake Superior basin, but Lake Superior remains above record high water levels for this time of year.

Wet conditions continued across the upper Great Lakes basin in May. Lake Superior has exceeded record high water levels for this time of year and water levels of Lake Michigan-Huron are also now approaching record high values.

Water levels of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan-Huron remain well above average, and Lake Superior has the potential to reach or exceed record highs in May should wet conditions continue.

The above-average levels coupled with strong winds and waves continue to result in shoreline erosion and coastal damages across the upper Great Lakes system.

Very wet conditions continued across the upper Great Lakes basin in February, and water levels of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan-Huron remain well above average.