How High Water Levels Could Impact You

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  • The Great Lakes are at their highest levels in more than 30 years, and that means people need to be aware of increased safety concerns when swimming and boating, potential property damage along shorelines, submerged docks and piers and other concerns. Higher waters can cause stronger, faster currents (especially around river outlets and piers), deeper and colder water, unpredictable conditions and more debris floating under the water’s surface.

    High waters are caused by several factors, including wetter-than-normal conditions over the last six years and above-average winter ice coverage (which slows down evaporation). Michigan is experiencing the wettest one-, three- and five-year periods since data recording started 120 years ago.

    Learn more about the effects of high water and how to stay safe:

  • Great Lakes Water Level Data »Monthly mean lakewide average water levels.
  • EGLE high water information »Information on shoreline erosion and permitting needs.

READ MORE at michigan.gov

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