MT. PLEASANT, MI (MPRN)-- Forecasts say the Great Lakes will see above-average water levels this year, continuing a trend that began in 2013.
The forecast says water levels throughout the Great Lakes are currently more than a foot above average.
Sabrina Jauernik is a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Gaylord. She says this year the high levels are a combination of more rainfall, and ice cover has prevented evaporation during the winter.
“Right now we just seem to be in the upswing of the seasonal cycle and we’ve just had a few wetter years since 2013 that have accumulated to rising water levels,” she says.
Jauernik says she expects the lakes to continue to rise throughout the year.
The forecast says Lakes Superior, Huron and Michigan may rise at least three more inches by mid-May.