USACE - Detroit District - Past Update Articles

Item Title	Date Added
2009 Annual Summary	12/31/09
Great Lakes Data Available on the Detroit District's Website	04/05/10
The Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909	04/05/10
Diversions in the Great Lakes Basin	04/05/10
2008 Annual Summary	04/05/10
Frequently Asked Questions on Great Lakes Water Levels	03/31/09
Origins of the Detroit District	03/31/09
Guide to the Monthly Bulletin	03/31/09
2007 Annual Summary	01/04/08
Lake Superior Water Levels - Then and Now	10/04/07
Current Water Level Conditions	10/04/07
Winter Work at the Soo Locks	04/04/07
2006 Annual Summary	01/05/07
Great Lakes Water Level Gaging	10/03/06
A brief look at how water levels are measured
Great Lakes Navigation	07/05/06
A brief history of commercial navigation on the Great Lakes.
Short Term Water Level Changes on the Great Lakes	04/07/06
This update article examines the effects of wind and ice on water levels in the Great Lakes
Wave Absorbers in Federal Harbors	01/04/06
2005 Annual Summary	01/04/06
Upper Great Lakes Plan of Study -- Updated	07/01/05
2004 Annual Update	01/06/05
The 2004 annual summary discusses water levels, weather, and snowmelt for each of the Great Lakes in 2004. The article also provides graphs of lake outflows and basin precipitation and includes information on lake regulations, meetings, commercial navigation, and public concerns
Lake Winnebago - An Important Great Lake Resource	01/04/05
This article focuses on the Lake Winnebago system including hydrology, ecology and regulation strategies.
Pier Safety	07/09/04
This article explores ways to remain safe while enjoying beaches, piers and breakwaters; it also looks at total precipitation around the Great Lakes Basin occuring throughout the month of May.
Invasive Species Control Efforts	04/05/04
This Update Article identifies invasive species in the Great Lakes as well as outlines the Corps' plan to control them. Information is also included on water levels, expected conditions, and public meetings.
The Regulation of the Outflow from Lake Superior	12/01/93
The natural outflow from Lake Superior is through the St. Marys River into Lake Huron. Near the cities of S.S. Marie, Michigan and Ontario the river drops dramatically, creating a hindrance to navigation but also providing a valuable source of potential energy. (Dec 93)
2003 Annual Summary	01/07/04
The 2003 annual summary discusses water levels, weather, and snowmelt for each of the Great Lakes in 2003. The article also provides graphs of lake outflows and basin precipitation and includes information on lake regulations, meetings, commercial navigation, and public concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions on Current Water Levels	10/08/03
This issue of the Update Article takes a look at current conditions and responds to some frequently asked questions regarding water levels.
2002 Annual Summary	01/07/03
This 2002 annual summary discusses water levels, weather, and snowmelt in 2002 for each of the Great Lakes. The article also provides graphs of lake outflows and basin precipitation and includes information on commercial navigation, meetings, and public concerns.
Geospatial Technologies	10/04/02
The Corps play an important role in water resource management, which includes water levels, shoreline changes, and regulations. This update article addresses the technologies of geographic information systems, remote sensing, photogrammetry, topography, and bathymetric data tools used for water resource management.
Are Great Lakes Water Levels Recovering?	07/02/02
The popular question "Are the water levels improving on the Great Lakes ?" is answered in this article. Factors such as precipitation, evaporation, and regulation of outflows are explained in relation to how they may affect water levels.
Ice Cover Impacts on the Great Lakes	04/05/04
This update explains the importance of previous and recent ice conditions on the Great Lakes and how ice cover can affect fishing, rivers, and navigation. Also included are maps and graphs of average ice cover, winter temperatures, and evaporation on the Great Lakes.
2001 Annual Summary	01/01/02
This summary discusses water levels, weather, and snowmelt in 2001 for each of the Great Lakes. The article also provides graphs of lake outflows and basin precipitation and includes information on commercial navigation.
Current Great Lake Studies	10/01/01
This issue focuses on current studies of Lake Superior and Lake Ontario regulation. A brief summary of the outflow regulation history for these two lakes is included, as well. In addition, a Frequently Asked Questions section pertaining to water levels, forecasted levels, and outflows is included.
2000 Annual Summary	01/01/01
The 2000 Annual Summary discusses lake level conditions over the past year. It also addresses National Weather Service outlooks for the 2000-2001 winter compared to the last few years.
Great Lakes Data and Information on the Internet	11/07/00
This update provides internet links for individuals seeking information on various aspects of the Great Lakes. There are summaries and Web sites pertaining to Great Lakes education, hydrology, hydraulics, water quality, biology, and local environmental agencies.(Nov 2000)
A Geologic Perspective on Lake Michigan Water Levels	08/04/00
This article, authored by Dr. Todd Thompson and Dr. Steve Baedke from Indiana University, focuses on research into the geologic water levels of Lake Michigan. The lake levels, processes, and time needed to form the relict features have been studied by geologists for more than a century.(Aug 2000)
1999 Annual Summary	01/03/00
The 1999 Annual Summary discusses water levels and conditions over the past year. Many of the issues associated with Great Lakes hydrology, temperatures and storm activities are summarized. Issues on regulation, commercial navigation, and public concerns are also addressed.(Jan 2000)
Frequently Asked Questions	11/01/99
This issue of the Great Lakes Update has been dedicated to address a number of frequently asked questions that have arisen due to lower water levels. (Nov 1999)
Anthropogenic Changes to Great Lakes Water Levels	07/02/99
This update article was written by Dr. Frank Quinn, a research hydrologist with NOAA's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory. It describes the man-made influences to the Great Lakes. Changes have resulted in either permanent alteration of water levels or a decreased range of levels.(Jul 99)
1998 Annual Summary	01/04/99
The 1998 Annual Summary revisits information pertaining to changing precipitation and temperature and its effect on water levels in 1998. Levels plunged in 1998 to near or below average on the Great Lakes. (Jan 99)
1997 Annual Summary	01/02/98
The 1997 Annual Summary states that water levels on the Great Lakes were significantly above average through 1997. Details on winter snowfalls, temperature and precipitation variations throughout the Great Lakes basin are provided. (Jan 98)
Frequently Asked Questions (1997)	06/05/97
The issue addresses a number of frequently asked questions that have arisen due to rising Great Lakes water levels. Current conditions, bluff erosion, diversions, Lake Superior and Ontario regulation, and emergency measures are some of the issues addressed. (June 97)
1996 Annual Summary	01/03/97
The 1996 Annual Summary discusses changing precipitation and temperature and its effect on Great Lakes water levels. Levels in 1996 continued to follow their general seasonal patterns, while reaching levels that were significantly higher than those of 1995. (Jan 97)
1995 Annual Summary	01/03/96
Looking back at 1995, the trend of Great Lakes water levels generally followed the seasonal patterns that prevailed in 1994. Charts represent fluctuating water levels for 1994 and 1995 are presented. (Jan 96)
Carbon Dioxide, Nitrous Oxide and Climate Change	09/01/95
This article continues the series on climate change. Recently, we discussed water vapor and its effects. All materials are taken from Reporting on Climate Change, Understanding the Science, published by the Environmental Health Center, National Safety Council, in November 1994.(Sept 95)
Climate Change	05/03/95
This is the first of a series of articles on climate change. This issue starts the series by looking at the natural variability in climate. The first of two self-tests on facts, myths and opinions is presented. (May 95)
1994 Annual Summary	01/04/95
The 1994 Annual Summary looks back at the trend of the Great Lakes water levels. Lakes Superior and Ontario were close to their long-term averages while Lakes Erie, and Michigan-Huron started above.
Field Trials Successfully Completed for Great Lakes Storm Damage Reporting System	12/02/94
A test of the Great Lakes Storm Damage Reporting System (GLSDRS) was reported in March and the field trials completed in September. This update summarizes results of the trials. A review is presented of the key characteristics of the GLSDRS system. (Dec 94)
Dredged Material Testing & Evaluation	09/02/94
The USEPA and the Corps of Engineers have released two draft manuals on the testing and evaluation of dredged material. These manuals represent a significant change from the past methods and may cause some changes to the way dredging projects are planned. (Sept 94)
1993 Annual Summary	01/04/94
A retrospective look at this past year indicates that the Great Lakes generally experienced above average levels in 1993, as they had in 1992. Higher discharges in the St. Lawrence River were required to mitigate the potential for flooding along the Lake Ontario shoreline.
Aquatic Life of St. Mary's River	07/02/93
This article addresses the history of fish hatcheries on the St. May's River near Sault Ste. Marie. Also discussed is the Aquatic Laboratory, which runs experiments conducted by Lake Superior State University. Other agencies assist in fishery management as well as aquatic studies.
Great Lakes - St. Lawrence River Water Levels Reference Study Board Recommendations	06/01/93
This reference study article goes in depth about level and flow regulations by giving recommendations for action as well as management operation improvements. A key topic discussed here is the regulation of Lake Ontario ouflow.
1992 Annual Summary	01/04/93
This update article details the precipitation, lake levels, storms, regulations, and commercial navigation that occurred throughout the year of 1992. Included are figures of lake outflows, as well as a review of the Levels Reference Study.
Great Lakes - St. Lawrence River Water Levels Reference Study Nears Completion	12/02/92
The Reference Study of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Water Levels is discussed in this update article. Options for level regulations, emergency actions, and preventative measures are outlined.
EPA Releases Lake Michigan LaMP	10/02/92
This article discusses the Lakewide Management Plan (LaMP) proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency. The plan was designed to help reduce pollutants in the Lake Michigan Basin. The framework for the LaMP development was influenced by the Remedial Action Plans (RAPs) created by the Great Lakes states.
Great Lakes Flow Measurements (Last of 2-Part Series)	08/03/92
This article is a continuation of last month's article discussing the need for accurate flow measurements and standards in the Great Lakes Basin.
Great Lakes Flow Metering	07/02/92
Ever wonder how much water flows in and out of the Great Lakes? This article explains how and why measurements are used in the Great Lakes' connecting channels. Also included are measurement standards and the locations of measurement sites.
1991 Annual Summary	01/03/92
The 1991 Annual Summary presents information on precipitation and temperature conditions for the Great Lakes Basin in 1991. Summaries on storms, regulations, commercial navigation, and public meetings for the year are reviewed here.
Forecasting Great Lakes Water Levels	08/02/91
This article focuses on the methods used to produce the 6-month water levels forecasts for the Monthly Bulletin of Lake Levels for the Great Lakes. To produce the Monthly Bulletin, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers prepares forecasts of future water supplies to the lakes. This 'water supply' consists of precipitation, streamflow, and groundwater that eventually enters the lakes. Several informative diagrams are included in the explanations.
Commercial Navigation on Great Lakes - St. Lawrence	02/04/91
The update describes the 2,342 mile long water highway of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway system. The history and obstacles of commercial navigation are outlined and supporting photographs provided. Additional information is given on the resources and economics of this heartland region along with the Corps of Engineers role in the management of the water resources.
1990 Annual Summary: The Year in Review	01/03/91
In this issue of the update, the past year will be reviewed with respect to precipitation, lake levels, the regulation of Lakes Superior and Ontario outflows, navigation, the International Joint Commission (IJC) Reference Study, and other topics of interest. Some information on current and planned environmental restoration programs in the Great Lakes basin is also noted.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 64	11/02/90
This month's update topic is Lake Erie's outflow. The three routes that the outflow takes to Lake Ontario is the Niagara River, Welland Canal, and the New York State Barge Canal. The issue also discusses the existing and future hydropower plant development along the river and canals.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 63	10/01/90
Lake Ontario's outflow regulations are discussed in this article. Their development and possible future improvements are also included, as well as a figure on the Lake Ontario Regulatory Works.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 62	08/31/90
This month's update letter describes the water level fluctuations and how they are modified by the efforts of mankind. The Lake Michigan Diversion at Chicago is an example for this topic. The diversion takes water from Lake Michigan to serve as several purposes: water supply, wastewater disposal, and navigation.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 61	08/02/90
Wet periods in the last few decades resulted in record high water levels on the four Upper Great Lakes throughout 1985-1987. This update discusses the inquires that people have made about the fluctuating water levels. Man-made controlled areas, such as the diversions within the Great Lakes and regulations of Lake Superior and Lake Ontario outflows, are also discussed.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 60	06/29/90
The update article describes recent weather along with a forecasted outlook on the Great Lakes Basin precipitation and water level. An update on the Great Lakes Fluctuating Levels Reference Study is also included.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 59	06/01/90
This article describes the modifications of the Lake Superior outflow regulation plan, which the International Joint Commission (IJC) has proposed. The modifications, which are termed Plan 1977A, will be tested throughout IJC's Phase II fluctuating levels study.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 58	05/01/90
Phase II of the Reference Study on the Great Lake Water Levels is introduced in this article. The International Joint Commission (IJC) approved this study to examine and report methods of alleviating adverse consequences of fluctuating water levels on the Great Lakes.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 57	04/02/90
Previous shore process discussions have prompted several reader questions. Update article 57 answers the common question about shoreline restoration: Why is gravel used to nourish beaches?
Great Lakes Levels Vol 56	03/02/90
This article dismisses the myth that water levels alone cause erosion. Waves and storm surges are the primary causes of erosion, which can happen at any water level.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 55	02/02/90
The article topic for the month is Little Sable Point located on the east Lake Michigan shore. Erosion from rising lake levels, storms, and wave action, creates this as an area of concern.
1989 Annual Summary	01/03/90
A continuous trend of low precipitation and declining lake levels was experienced throughout 1989. This article describes the year's events by reviewing lake levels, precipitation, storms, lake regulation, as well as other activities.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 53	12/01/89
This article outlines the mission of the Reference Study on Fluctuating Great Lakes Water Levels. Surveys will take place involving residential shoreline property owners. Analytical results will be available next summer.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 52	11/03/89
This update article explains that the Phase I Progress Report from the Project Management Team on the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence River Levels Reference Study has been released.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 51	10/03/89
This article announces that the Phase I Progress Report of the Levels Reference Study has been submitted to the International Joint Commission (IJC).
Great Lakes Levels Vol 50	09/01/89
This update article announces that the Phase I Progress Report on the Levels Reference Study has been submitted to the International Joint Commission (IJC). IJC will continue to receive written comments about Phase I progress as well as any suggestions for the approaching Phase II study.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 49	08/03/89
This update has contact information to obtain a copy of the Overview and Annex Summaries of the Levels Reference Study.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 48	06/30/89
Precipitation in the Great Lakes basin for June was above average. Lake Superior and Michigan - Huron water levels are near average, while the other lakes are all above average.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 47	06/02/89
Since we are in the midst of the navigation season, this article describes the permitting process for dredging.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 46	05/03/89
This month's article discusses the Project Management Team's Phase I Reference Report on fluctuating water levels.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 45	04/04/89
The forecast for the Great Lakes Basin calls for the possibility of heavy spring snowmelt runoff for the northern area of the basin. The National Weather Service's 30-day and 90-day outlook for the region is also included.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 44	03/03/89
The St. Clair River experienced some minor ice retardation at the end of February. This resulted in an increased water level of about two feet in some areas of the lower river.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 43	02/03/89
This update reports that there was no snow cover in the southeast part of the basin at the end of January. The outlook for the next 30 days indicates that above normal precipitation may occur in the basin.
1988 Annual Summary	01/04/89
The year 1988 ended the record high water levels experienced in 1985, 1986, and early 1987. This article includes an update of the year's precipitation, storms, lake levels, lake regulation, the IJC Reference Study progress, as well as other activities.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 41	12/02/88
This update describes the dramatic difference between the drought that ended in August and the very wet weather experienced in November. Also included in this update is a forecast from the National Weather Service.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 40	11/03/88
Above-average precipitation conditions over the past month are discussed. The basin-wide rainfall this year was over an inch above last month's average. This was greatly out the drought-like conditions earlier this year.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 39	10/03/88
This article touches upon the low lake levels that the Great Lakes basin has experienced over the past two years due to drought conditions.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 38	09/02/88
This month has seen record high rainfall on Lake Superior. This and other statistics are discussed in this article.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 37	08/03/88
This article describes the low precipitation and water levels in the Great Lakes Basin. Drought conditions have affected the upper Great Lakes this past July. Lake Superior continues to be near low water datum and Lakes Michigan-Huron is declining as well.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 36	07/01/88
The drought that began in June has created some negative impacts on commercial navigation and public recreation due to low water levels. On a more positive note, erosion and storm damage usually lessen with lower water levels.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 35	06/03/88
The update article discusses the International Joint Commission's (IJC's) Task Force Study Report for alleviating water level fluctuation problems. Phase I of the Great Lakes Level Reference Study will be available in May of 1989.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 34	05/03/88
This month's article describes the lake levels and precipitation over the basin for the month of April Lake Superior regulation is also discussed.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 33	04/01/88
This month's article takes us from an unusually calm March to an April where severe damage may occur due to storms. Issues such as storage on Lake Superior and the International Joint Commission's (IJC's) Task Force Study Report are discussed here as well.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 32	03/03/88
The Great Lakes are either close to or are emerging from winter low water levels this month. This article cautions that March storms can be severely damaging, especially with little ice on the lakes. Near-shore wave warnings are possible also.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 31	02/03/88
The Great Lakes are approaching their winter lows. Overall, the precipitation over the basin was less than average. This article also contains information on the Corps' 'Self Help' program designed to help flood-threatened communities.
1987 Annual Summary	01/01/88
High lake levels in the past year combined with a February storm caused damage to some areas, as well as ice jam flooding in the St. Clair River. This update article also describes lake regulations, the Lake Level Reference Study, and the Corps' Advanced Measures Program.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 29	12/03/87
Precipitation on the Great Lakes Basin was light in November and the Great Lakes are continuing their seasonal decline. A discussion regarding the Great Lakes Levels Workshop, which is continuing the development of a study plan for fluctuating water levels is also included.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 28	11/03/87
With Lake Superior's water level below average and Lakes Michigan-Huron above average, Lake Superior's outflow is at the minimum rate allowed by the regulation plan. This and other updates regarding levels are discussed in this article.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 27	10/05/87
The below average rainfall which was experienced at the end of 1986, has caused Lakes Michigan-Huron's water levels to fall back to near average. The International Joint Commission (IJC) is still directing the outflows of Lakes Superior and Lake Ontario.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 26	09/01/87
Relief from high water levels was due in part to the below-average precipitation in the past nine months. The Advanced Measures Program will only be continued to finish up incomplete projects.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 25	08/03/87
Dangerously high water level conditions are now improving. However, there is the possibility of flooding caused by potential fall and spring storms.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 24	07/01/87
The conditions and water levels of the Great Lakes continue to improve. However, the middle lakes are still experiencing high water levels that could cause flooding and erosion in some areas.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 23	06/03/87
May was another month with below average rainfall in the Great Lakes Basin. This update discusses precipitation and water levels that occurred in the month of May.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 22	05/01/87
Below average rainfall has continued through the month of April. Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron have maintained their water levels, while Lakes St. Clair and Erie are beginning their seasonal rise, but at a slower rate.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 21	04/03/87
The mean monthly levels for March on all the lakes were lower than projected. This is due to the below average precipitation on the Great Lakes Basin. The St. Clair River experienced some ice jamming problems in March.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 20	03/04/87
Over the last few months, the Great Lakes have experienced low precipitation. This is good news since there has not been any new record high levels set on the Great Lakes.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 19	02/04/87
January was the sixteenth consecutive month where Lakes Michigan-Huron have set records for high water levels. The lakes have received significantly less rainfall in January, which eases problems for shoreline property owners.
1986 Annual Summary	01/01/87
Lake levels this past year are the highest they have been this century. This article describes the above normal precipitation, storms, and other activities that have occurred in the basin.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 17	12/03/86
The Great Lakes water levels are continuing their record high pace and have been threatening damage to shorelines.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 16	11/03/86
Lake Erie's rainfall was heavy during the month of October. The monthly levels for Lakes Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, and Erie were over one foot higher than last October's levels.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 15	10/03/86
The Great Lakes basin received rainfall this September that caused extreme flooding on rivers tributary to the lakes. The lake levels are predicted to remain high through the end of March 1987, instead of making their winter decline.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 14	09/04/86
This article discusses the above average precipitation on the Great Lakes. New record high monthly levels were set in August for Lakes Michigan-Huron, St. Clair, and Erie. Other news includes a sunken barge on the Niagara River which is impeding flow. The Corps of Engineers will use emergency authority to remove it if the owner cannot safely do so.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 13	08/04/86
The upper Great Lakes received above-average rainfall again in July. This article also reviews the International Joint Commission's (IJC) regulations for Lakes Superior and Ontario.
Lake Ontario Regulation	10/01/91
This article describes the regulation of Lake Ontario along with its connection to the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River system of lakes and connecting channels. Some physical characteristics and an historical perspective of the navigation and hydroelectric power development of this vast system is outlined along with current plans and operations.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 12	07/07/86
This is the tenth straight month that record high water levels have been set for Lakes Superior and St. Clair, and the ninth for Lakes Michigan-Huron. All the Great Lakes are predicted to remain extremely high through the end of 1986. Riparian property owners should be alert to take necessary flood precautions.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 11	06/02/86
Under the Advanced Measures program, the Corps of Engineers has completed five projects in Michigan. Six projects have been approved in Ohio and proposed projects in New York and Wisconsin are being investigated.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 10	05/02/86
All of the Great Lakes are continuing their seasonal rise. This article discusses each lake's water levels, as well as the International Joint Commission's (IJC) involvement in the outflows of Lakes Superior and Ontario.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 7	02/03/86
All of the Great Lakes, except for Lake Ontario, have set new monthly record high levels in January. The projected levels of all the Great Lakes are expected to remain extremely high for the next six months.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 6	01/06/86
Throughout 1985, the Great Lakes basin has seen above-normal precipitation. In April, the International Joint Commission (IJC) reduced Lake Superior's outflow to help alleviate high water level problems in the middle Great Lakes.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 5	12/03/85
Lake Superior's outflow has been at a record high rate since early October. The flow had to be stopped on several occasions due to flood-level water in the lower basin area.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 4	11/04/85
The Great Lakes, excluding Lake Ontario, remain at an extremely high level. The approaching storm season is of some concern due to the possibility of shoreline property damage.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 3	10/03/85
This article describes the emergency actions that International Joint Commission and others have taken to alleviate problems due to high water levels. Decisions regarding Lake Superior's flow are the main focus of this article.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 2	09/03/85
The recent rainfall in the basin, particularly Lake Superior, has been extremely heavy. The approaching storm season continues to be of concern since the high lake levels can cause damage to shoreline property.
Great Lakes Levels Vol 1	08/03/85
This first article describes the Great Lakes control structures that maintain the outflows. The International Joint Commission's newest decision on the regulation of Lake Superior is also included.