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Harbormaster reports sharp spring rise in Lake Michigan‑Huron levels, cites NOAA data
Summary
Harbormaster Mr. Thurnau told the Michigan City Port Authority that seasonal lake-level variability is large and that between February and May the basin rose about 19.5 inches this year, citing Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (NOAA) data and historical context.
At the May 4 meeting Harbormaster Mr. Thurnau briefed the Michigan City Port Authority on routine spring operations and on recent lake‑level changes in the Lake Michigan–Huron basin.
"Between February and May, we're up 19 and 1/2 inches," Mr. Thurnau said, comparing current monthly averages to last year’s figures (he said the Feb–May increase last year was about 9½ inches). He explained monthly and daily average calculations are provided by the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (NOAA) and that short-term wind and weather can cause daily variation.
Mr. Thurnau described drivers of seasonal variation — evaporation, ice cover dynamics and historic dredging in connecting channels — and noted how record lows in 2012 and a record high in 2020 illustrate the basin’s variability. He also pointed board members to NOAA’s site for daily and monthly averages and ratios of mean and record highs and lows.
The report was presented as information only; no policy action or new permitting changes were proposed. Board members asked operational questions but took no further action at the meeting.
