Kewaunee, WI--Lake Michigan water levels on the rise. Compared to last year Lake Michigan is already 9 inches above to last years water levels and it's going to continue to rise
Kewaunee Marina Manager Michael Creieger is noticing a big rise in water levels this year. "It's up dramatically" says Michael Creieger, Marina Manager The City Of Kewaunee.
It's great news for boaters who dock here. “They're happy the less damage to their props on the bottom of their boats, you know more obstructions that's the big thing" says Crieger
One of the lowest water levels recorded on Lake Michigan happened in 2013. Since then the lake has risen 3 feet and the levels keep rising. right now the water is 1-2 inches higher than just last month. "The last time we've seen water levels this high was in 1997/1998" says Mike Cellitti, Marine Meteorologist.
The past winters where we saw heavy snowfall and this spring that's wetter than usual are the reasons why the levels are rising. "Well the last several years we've had above normal precipitation in the western great lakes area and two of the last three winters we had extensive ice coverage" says Cellitti.
The increase in water levels not only affects boaters but also marine life within Lake Michigan.” Aquatic creatures whether it be the fish, invertebrates in turn brings more food for the fish. we are a fishing community so we are looking for the salmon and the trout" says Cellitti.
The fishing could get even better as the water is expected to rise throughout the summer. “Typically in fall and winter we see water levels fall off" says Cellitti.
Experts predict next year the water will reach near-record levels again making Lake Michigan a big draw for people to boat and fish.
