Lake Superior water level up 8 inches over last year
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials said Lake Superior is beginning to rise from its record low levels of last August and September.
The lake is about eight inches higher than it was at this time last year. Corps meteorologist Mike Kompoltowicz said more ice cover, and a longer duration this winter, means less water will be lost to evaporation:
"With the colder air that set in across Lake Superior earlier on this year, ice cover was able to start forming a lot earlier and we didn't see nearly as much evaporation this year as we did last year," Kompoltowicz said.
The Army Corps of Engineers said despite Lake Superior's rising levels, it's still eight to 10 inches below normal. Meanwhile, a Coast Guard cutter is carving out shipping lanes in Duluth-Superior harbor. Ships may start arriving later this month.
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