Wednesday, December 31, 2025

After our hike along Lk. Michigan yesterday, I asked Gemini AI - "lake michigan near muskegon seems very low. how does the level compare with past high/low levels"

Hike Muskegon - West Michigan Parks - Every Tue/Sat 11am | After our hike along Lk | Facebook

After our hike along Lk. Michigan yesterday, I asked Gemini AI - "lake michigan near muskegon seems very low. how does the level compare with past high/low levels"

AI's response:
It is not just your imagination—Lake Michigan's water levels are currently in a notable downward trend. As of late 2025, the lake is roughly 8 to 11 inches lower than it was at this same time in 2024.
  • While the water may seem low compared to the "extreme" highs of a few years ago, it is still well above the historical "rock bottom" levels.
How Current Levels Compare
According to the most recent US Army Corps of Engineers data, Lake Michigan (which is technically measured as one body of water with Lake Huron) currently sits at an elevation of approximately 577.85 to 578.50 feet.

Perspective Level Difference (Approx.)
vs. Long-Term Average 5 to 8 inches lower than the historical average.
vs. Record High (1986) ~42 inches lower (about 3.5 feet down).
vs. Recent High (2020) ~43 inches lower (the peak of the most recent cycle).
vs. Record Low (2013) ~24 inches higher (still 2 feet above the all-time low).

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