Great Lakes remain at record highs

OCONTO — It’s not a question of if, but when, flooding will happen along the bay shore this spring, Oconto County and municipal leaders warned in an update for bay shore residents last week.

County officials are working with the towns of Little River, Oconto, Pensaukee, Little Suamico and the city of Oconto to monitor and provide preparedness information to residents.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, announced that January 2020 water levels were higher on all lakes than they were in January 2019, and are expected to continue that trend into the spring and summer.

According to Corps records, lakes Michigan and Huron both set new record high January levels, previously set in 1987. Lake Superior set new record high January levels previously set in 1986. Lake St. Clair tied its record high level set in January 1986.

“It is likely that water levels on lakes Michigan and Huron will set new monthly mean record high levels over the next six months,” said John Allis, chief of the Great Lakes Hydraulics and Hydrology Office, Detroit District. “This sets the stage for coastal impacts and damages in 2020 similar to, or worse than, what was experienced last year.”

The Corps urges those impacted by the high water levels of 2019 to prepare for similar or higher levels again in 2020. The most recent six-month forecast of Great Lakes water levels shows water levels continuing to be well above average and near record high levels over this period.

Affected areas of the Bay Shore and Oconto River flooding areas are in the planning and watch stage, local officials said in a news release.

“Officials are committed and focused on preparing for upcoming flooding events,” the release said. “Citizens will play a critical role in this matter. More information and flood preparedness meetings will be scheduled in the near future.”

The release listed actions property owners can take to prepare and protect their property include:

• Look into getting flood insurance.

• Many people are relying on sump pumps, have a battery back up for it.

• Move items you want to protect to higher ground, such as shelves.

• Check in on neighbors, especially the elderly to see what help they need to prepare.

• Have a plan for pets.

• If you’re asked to evacuate, do so. The decision to evacuate is not made lightly and officials really need residents to evacuate.

• It takes time to set up a shelter, so arrange a place in advance of where you’ll go in the event of evacuation.

• Sign up for Code Red. Go to www.co.oconto.wi.us click on “Code Red” to sign up for weather updates and emergency alerts.

Late winter and spring is a period of seasonal rise on all of the Great Lakes due to increased rainfall and runoff. Water levels typically peak in the summer or early fall. Significant erosion continues in many locations as water levels remain extremely high. Strong storm systems and resulting large waves have led to substantial erosion along much of the Great Lakes coastline.

Residents can find additional information on the Oconto County website (www.co.oconto.wi.us), where under quick links (Southern Oconto County Flooding) there will be a frequently asked questions list. The latest information can be found on the Facebook page Oconto County Sheriff’s Office.

The Detroit District Corps of Engineers monitors and forecasts Great Lakes’ water levels and provides the data and analysis at www.lre.usace.army.mil.