Great Lakes Water Levels Currently Below Average

The Great Lakes Water Levels Boards of the International Joint Commission have provided an updated summary of current water level conditions.

Water supply conditions throughout much of 2024 resulted in near average water levels throughout the Great Lakes and one of the longest periods of sustained near long-term average water levels on Lake Ontario.

Although water levels throughout the Great Lakes continued their natural, gradual seasonal decline in fall, drought conditions in certain regions of the Great Lakes accelerated the water level decline in some of the lakes. Water levels in each of the Great Lakes, except for Lake Erie, are currently below long-term monthly averages. As of the beginning of February, and for this time of year, Lake Superior is the lowest it has been since 2013, Lakes Huron-Michigan are the lowest since 2014, and Lake Ontario is the lowest since 2003. Lake Erie levels are the lowest since 2014, although they remain approximately 1 centimeter (0 inches) above long-term average.

Ice, Drought, and Snow Water Equivalent

As of February 24, 2025, Great Lakes ice cover is 32%. Due to an Arctic blast in January, Lake Erie ice coverage increased from 30% to more than 80% over four days