How have Lake Erie water levels varied historically?
A. Lake levels were at or slightly above the long-term average in the late 1800s, generally well below the long-term average from 1890 to 1967, and generally above the long-term average from 1968 through 2000. For the period of record (1860-2000), the difference between the highest monthly average and the lowest monthly average is about 6 feet, and the difference between the highest yearly average and the lowest yearly average is about 5 feet. Long-term changes in lake level result from long-term changes in precipitation and evaporation. Likewise, seasonal changes in lake level occur in response to annual changes in precipitation and evaporation in the basin, with lake levels generally lower in the winter and higher in the summer. Dramatic short-term changes in lake level (several feet over a few hours) can occur due to strong winds associated with changing weather systems. During severe storm events, the difference in water level between Buffalo and Toledo can exceed 16 feet.
