Our Great Lakes region is the largest fresh water system on earth!
2023 looks very promising for the beaches… the water has receded a lot and the beaches are wider!
Please be aware that we do not guarantee the condition of any beach. Please ask about of the condition of the beach if you are concerned.
Near or above record high water levels continue on some of the Great Lakes with a 33-year old record being broken in January 2020 for Lake Huron and Lake Michigan (the previous record was set in 1986/87). Water levels usually follow a seasonal cycle where water levels rise in the Spring due to increased precipitation and enhanced runoff from snow melt. In the Fall, the lakes generally decline due to an increase in evaporation as temperatures decline and cooler air moves over the relatively warm lake waters.
The water level of Lake Huron/Michigan (effectively the same lake with the same water levels due to the Straits of Mackinac connector) two years ago in July 2018 was at 177.0 metres (580.7 feet) – and as at July 2020 has increased by half a metre to 177.5 metres (582.3 feet – up 19.3 inches). As all Shoreline Residents know, our Lake having risen to a record level continues to do great harm – substantial coastal erosion – to the shoreline throughout Bluewater.
Based on historical year-to-year cycles of highs and lows, the forecasted water level at the end of the next 12 months to July 2021 is in a range of possibilities of 177.7 to 176.7 metres (583.0 to 579.7 feet). While not necessarily in the nature of good news for swimmers and sunbathers who like wide and sandy beaches and Residents considering shoreline/coastal work to protect their properties – we do have access to very good water level information. One website worth looking into which provides water level information for all of the Great Lakes is – “US Army Corps of Engineers Detroit District Great Lakes Water Level Outlook”. After reviewing, follow the prompts to see the Monthly Bulletin of Great Lakes Water Levels. And additional information can be found at Great Lakes High Water