Lake Superior water level above long-term average

Lake Superior continues to rise, as above average precipitation has returned the level above long-term averages.

The lake continued its trend of above-normal water levels in November, although it dropped a typical 2 inches for the month. That's average for November, according to the International Lake Superior Board of Control.

The lake remained around 9 inches above its level of a year ago, thanks in large part to 11 straight months of above-normal water supply to the lake from increased precipitation and run-off, combined with low evaporation.

Lakes Michigan-Huron remained steady in November. The Dec. 1 level of the lakes is 7 inches above the long-term average and 21 inches higher than it was last year on Dec. 1.

The upper Great Lakes usually rise from April to August, then generally drop from September through March.

International Lake Superior Board of Control officials have been releasing more water than normal from Lake Superior to reduce potential high water problems in spring. Officials said the lake will probably drop, as normal, until spring.

At the end of October, the water level of Lake Superior was 10 to 11 inches higher than in October 2013 and 8 to 9 inches above the long-term normal.

Lake Superior stood at 602.74 feet above sea level on Oct. 31, 2014, compared to 602.65 feet at the start of the month and 601.86 a year ago.

The October high was 603.38 in 1985, while the low was 600.72 in 1925.

The National Weather Service office in Marquette said Lake Mchigan and Lake Huron levels were above average in October for the first time since late 1998.

"Even though water levels typically fall slowly in October, above normal precipitation across the upper Great Lakes and surrounding areas the last couple of months has contributed to greater run-off," said Kevin Crupi, of the weather service's Marquette office.