10 Aug 2021

Great Lakes water levels below recent years record high levels

DETROIT- Even with a return to wetter conditions in late June and July, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers officials expect Great Lakes water levels to remain below 2019 and 2020 levels - when many record highs were set across the lakes. Late spring and summer are typically when the lakes reach seasonal peaks before beginning seasonal declines in the late summer or early fall. This year, seasonal rises leading up to peak levels were less than average on all the lakes. This is especially true for Lake Michigan-Huron, which experienced its peak monthly mean level for the year in January. This has only occurred three other times (1931, 1958 and 1987) in the coordinated water level period of record (1918-2020).

22 Jun 2021

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completes Rochester Harbor east pier repairs

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District, and its contractor, Dean Marine & Excavating, Inc., completed the $3.4 million, 600 feet of repair of the Rochester Harbor east pier, located in Rochester, New York, June 16, 2021 The section repaired is in the middle of previously repaired sections, and was close to the original construction, where the concrete cap was in poor condition and structurally degraded. Repair of the remaining approximately 400 feet of degraded reach of the east pier would be dependent upon receiving additional funding.

22 Jun 2021

Construction begins on the Vermilion Harbor east pier

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District, and its contractor, Kovilic Construction Company Inc., began repairs of the Vermilion Harbor east pier, located in Vermilion, Ohio, on 11 June 2021. The current $1.825 million contract was awarded on September 30, 2020. The Corps of Engineers is using available funds to repair 216 feet of the most degraded section of the Vermilion Harbor east pier. Repair of the remaining degraded reach of the east pier is dependent upon receiving additional funding.

28 May 2021

President’s FY 22 budget includes $595 million for USACE Detroit District

DETROIT - The President’s Budget for fiscal year 2022 includes $6.793 billion in discretionary funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works program, which is the highest annual budget ever proposed for the Army Corps. This includes approximately $595 million set aside for Detroit District projects, including $480 million for the New Lock at the Soo Locks facility in Sault St. Marie, Mich. The Civil Works budget funds the operations and maintenance program, including Great Lakes federal shipping channels and navigation structures within the Detroit District’s area of responsibility across Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. This includes funding for the Soo Locks, in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., which is a critical infrastructure project for the nation. “The Detroit Districts budget reflects a strong commitment to the Great Lakes and our region,” said Detroit District Commander Lt. Col. Scott Katalenich. “We stand ready to deliver the program and continue improving the region's infrastructure. Detroit’s robust mission promotes economic growth, quality of life, environmental health and national security.”

25 May 2021

Entry period open for Detroit District annual photo contest

DETROIT- The Detroit District invites photographers to enter its 6th annual photo contest featuring U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sites across the Great Lakes. The top 12 photographs highlighting Detroit District Great Lakes projects such as the Soo Locks, Duluth Ship Canal, piers, breakwaters or federal channels and harbors will earn a spot in the 2022 downloadable calendar. The entry deadline is 11:59 p.m. June 6, with winners determined by social media vote. The Soo Locks Visitors Center Association will award the top three photographers a plaque featuring their photo “The Detroit District team is looking forward to seeing the photographs submitted this year,” said District Commander Lt. Col. Scott Katalenich. “In addition to capturing the Great Lakes region’s beauty, participants always show us fascinating views of projects and waterways the Corps of Engineers build and maintain.”

14 May 2021

Army Corps of Engineers promotes boat, water safety this summer

DETROIT- With warm weather approaching, many will spend summer in or around the water. As Great Lakes stewards, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reminds visitors and residents the importance of practicing safe, sensible and thoughtful activities. Great Lakes water levels are below last year’s record levels but will continue rising before peaking in the summer months. High water levels can increase dangers such as rip currents and waves, especially during periods of active weather. The Corps of Engineers urges caution around Great Lakes piers and breakwaters, particularly during times of high winds and waves. People of all ages should always practice boat and water safety. Before entering or being around the water, keep these items listed below in mind, they could save your life or the life of someone you care about.

11 May 2021

Great Lakes water levels continue seasonal rise

DETROIT- Great Lakes water levels are below last year’s record levels but will continue rising before peaking in the summer months. During the spring, water levels typically begin a seasonal rise due to increased precipitation and runoff. Drier conditions so far this spring limited seasonal rises on some lakes, however, there are still a few months left in the typical seasonal rise period. “Dry conditions have continued for most of the Great Lakes region, with the exception of the Lake Superior basin, which experienced above average precipitation in April,” said Detroit District Great Lakes Hydraulics and Hydrology Office Chief John Allis. “These drier conditions have resulted in lake levels that are much lower than the record highs of recent years. However, some lakes are still above average and coastal flooding and erosion are still possible, especially during periods of active weather and increased wave action.”

23 Mar 2021

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to resume Great Sodus, Charles Point Repairs

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Buffalo District and its contractor Michigan-based Great Lakes Dock & Materials, L.L.C will resume repairs the first week of April 2021 to the east breakwater in Great Sodus Harbor, located in Sodus Bay, Village of Sodus Point, Wayne County, NY.

11 Mar 2021

Great Lakes water levels lower than 2020 heading into spring rise

DETROIT- Great Lake water levels in 2021 are tracking below last year’s levels, though Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, St. Clair and Erie remain well above long-term average levels, according to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials who track and forecast Great Lakes water levels. Lake Ontario recently fell slightly below long-term average levels. The February 2021 monthly mean water levels ranged from 7 to 23 inches below levels from this time last year. Since November 2020, the Great Lakes basin experienced four consecutive months of below average precipitation. This combined with a cold air outbreak during February led to increased evaporation across the lakes and caused a St. Clair River ice jam to develop. When ice jams occur, water levels downstream of the restriction decline, while water levels upstream of the restriction rise.

13 Jan 2021

Soo Locks closing for seasonal repair, maintenance

DETROIT- The Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan will close to marine traffic beginning 11:59 p.m. January 15 through 12:01 a.m. March 25 to perform critical maintenance. The operating season is fixed by federal regulation and is driven in part by the feasibility of vessels operating in typical ice conditions. Every year, the Corps uses the winter period to perform maintenance to keep the Soo Locks operating. The Soo Area Office team works long hours in extreme conditions to complete a significant amount of maintenance during this annual closure period. The work they perform is unique, especially given the harsh northern Michigan conditions they work in.