DUNKIRK – Water levels on Lake Erie have been rising to record levels, reaching its highest average levels since 1918 according to the Army Corps of Engineers.
From May to June, Lake Erie rose four inches to a level of 574.61 feet. The monthly average level broke the record high June level and is the highest recorded monthly level average for the lake since records began in 1918.
The lake’s monthly average level was 10 inches above its level a year ago and 31 inches above its long term average.
The lake received 24 percent above average precipitation and above average runoff, leading to water supplies in the basin being the seventh highest for June since 1900.
Lake Erie is expected to start its seasonal water level decline in July, but its monthly average water level is forecasted to exceed record high levels for July, August and September before falling in October.
Over the next six months, levels are predicted to be 23 to 31 inches above long term average levels.
Monthly average water levels are projected to be two to 12 inches above last year’s levels through October, matching last year’s level in November, and falling an inch below in December.
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