Although most parts of the country was hit with a flurry of snowstorms this winter, some parts of Northern Michigan didn’t receive enough snow, effectively lessening the amount of water in some lakes.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are reporting that the Great Lakes has lost water over the year. Almost a foot lower to be exact.
According to reports there wasn’t enough snow in Northern Michigan and Lake Superior.
The Army Corps latest report listed on its website says Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron are 8 and 12 inches, lower than last years readings. The report also states that Lake St. Clair is being affected by an “ice jam” and is 11 inches below what it was a year ago, however, water level is predicted to rise 9 inches as ice clears.
Glen Nekvasil, a spokesman with the Lake Carriers’ Association in Cleveland, told the Times Herald shallow water means commercial ships will have to carry less cargo
“Our ships lose anywhere between 50 and 270 tons of cargo for each inch of draft,” Nekvasil told the Times Hearld. “In the worst cases, it is 15% to 16% of a ship’s carrying capacity.”
According to reports, water level could rise with heavy rainfall in the spring to make up for the lack of snow in Northern Michigan.
