Photo Friday: Evidence of higher Lake Michigan water levels

Taking a photo below the surface near the breakwater at 12th Street Beach.

The view below.

A few months ago, the breakwater at 12th Street Beach was barely below the surface. Today, we had at least 18 inches of clearance. According to the US Army Corps of Engineers, water levels in Lake Michigan are up by a foot and a half. The June 27 level was 577.68 feet, up from 576.19 on March 1.

Water levels were historically low at the start of this season due to last year's record heat and drought, combined with this past winter's lack of snow and ice. This spring's record-breaking rain has been making up for those losses.