With the water level in Lake Huron at a record low in January of 2013, an official with the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority is surprised to see where it is now.
Water Resources Coordinator Davin Heinbuck said they expect to see an increase in the water level in the lake again this year, but not record highs that we're hearing about in the other lakes, like Lake Superior and Lake Erie.
The higher water level does create the potential for problems along the shoreline.
"Mainly erosion along the lake banks, but also flooding in some of the coastal areas," said Heinbuck. "What's of interest during the winter months is enhancement of the ice jam flooding risk. And that's because the lake levels are up high, it doesn't allow a lot of freeboard behind these jams to prevent flooding back onto properties."
(BlackburnNews.com file photo)
Heinbuck said it's too early to call it a trend, but the fact that the level in Lake Huron has bounced back as quickly as it has, suggests the cycle may be accelerating.
He added what happens in Lake Superior can be an indicator of what might trickle down to the other lakes the following year.