Lake Michigan levels break January record

Detroit, Mich. -- High water levels are a main reason the Lake Michigan shoreline is shrinking. Erosion will continue to be a concern as Lake Michigan set the record for the highest average water level for the month of January.

According to the US Army Corps of Engineers, the January 2020 average water level for the month was 581.56 feet. This is more than three inches above the previous record. The previous record was 581.30 feet, set in January 1987. Lake Michigan water levels have been above average for a while. This new record is now more than three feet above the average level of 578.41 feet.

Water levels are projected to remain high and continue breaking the monthly water level records through July 2020. These high lake levels will likely lead to more shoreline erosion. You can read more about this problem in our "Washed Away" series by clicking here.