Although water levels dipped below their long-term averages across the Great Lakes, you should not see too much impact on your nautical travels. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, water levels in Lake Michigan are about four to six inches below their long-term averages and two to three feet below their record-highs from the beginning of the decade. Dry winters have led to greater-than-normal declines in water levels. Washington Island Ferry Line President Hoyt Purinton relies on high water levels to safely get his vessels to and from Northport and Detroit Harbor, especially during the summer when the daily traffic through Death’s Door skyrockets. He says the water near his docks is within a few inches of their historical averages, but admits they are looking at grants to use in the future to dredge if water levels sink much further. He adds that a stroke of good timing allowed a portion of the dock near Rock Island to get dug out to let the Karfi Ferry bring passengers to the remote location.

Data from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers shows that Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and Lake Huron will likely remain below their long-term average for the next six months, but not near its record-lows.