THUNDER BAY — A forecast issued in February that raised the prospect of Lake Superior reaching record-high water levels by May has gained more credibility over the ensuing three months.
Wet conditions across the Lake Superior basin in April kept the great lake's level well above average, creating the potential to reach or exceed the record for May.
A report Friday from the International Lake Superior Board of Control noted that Superior rose by 13 cm in April, more than 60 per cent greater than the average increase for the month.
The agency said the lake was 38 centimetres above the long-term average for May, and 23 centimetres above its level of a year ago.
This is the second-highest on record since 1918.
Since the beginning of the month, Lake Superior rose another two centimetres, so that as of Tuesday it was 183.71 metres above sea level.
The record for May is 183.74 metres, set in 1986.
The Board of Control has issued an advisory to shoreline property owners to prepare for the possibility of erosion and other damage, especially in the event there is significant additional precipitation accompanied by strong winds.
