Nav Alert comment on Great Lakes Water Levels

Comment by: Jim Schwier on Apr 17, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 26'
Draft: 1.5'

Lake Superior outflows is administered by the International Lake Superior Board of Control not ACOE (see link provided in R.A. Campbell response) Their mission is to manage Lake Superior to no more than water level datum of 602' Being the Superior LWD is 601.1 and today's report indicates +16 it is evident that current water level 601.1+1.3 exceeds the Lake Superior level management by 0.4' or just under 5". Downstream lakes, waterways are experiencing considerably higher water levels. Adding more water downstream from Superior would not seem to be a good idea.
Looking at a comprehensive way to manage the overall level to suit all the needs/interests, of course would be sensible. Meanwhile, keep your watch person(s) on alert for floating debris and atypical water performance, currents, eddies and sunk/missing nav aides.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer