Badger, Alpena out of drydock
Sturgeon Bay, WI – The carferry Badger and the cement carrier Alpena are now out of drydock and moored at Bay Shipbuilding, where work continues on the two classic steamers. Sarter Marine Towing tugs towed the vessels out of drydock on Thursday. Reports indicate the Badger may return to Ludington by tow next week.
Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron wetter than average
Thunder Bay, ON – In contrast to the dry conditions observed in November, weather and water supplies to Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron were wetter than average in December. Lake Superior water levels remain below the seasonal long-term average while Lake Michigan-Huron water levels remain above the seasonal long-term average. Lake Superior outflows continue to be set in consideration of water levels upstream and downstream.
The International Lake Superior Board of Control expects the total outflow to be 1,730 m3/s (61.1 tcfs) in January, which is as prescribed by Lake Superior Regulation Plan 2012. The gate setting at the Compensating Works will be maintained at the setting equivalent to one half gate open (Gates #7 through #10 partially open 20 cm (7.9 in)). There will be no change to the setting of Gate #1, which supplies a flow of about 15 m3/s to the channel north of the Fishery Remedial Dike.
Weather and water supply conditions were much wetter than average in the Lake Superior basin in December. As a result, Lake Superior declined 2 cm (0.8 in), while on average the lake declines 8 cm (3.2 in) in December. Lake Michigan-Huron declined 5 cm (2 in) last month, which is the average historical decline in December.
At the beginning of January, Lake Superior is 7 cm (2.8 in) below the long-term average water level (1918 – 2020) and 28 cm (11.0 in) below the level of a year ago. Lake Michigan-Huron is 34 cm (13.4 in) above average, 45 cm (17.7 in) below the level from last year, and 60 cm (23.6 in) below the record level set in 2020.
Lake Superior and Lake Michigan-Huron water levels typically decline in January. Depending on the weather and water supply conditions during the next month, Lake Superior may decline by as much as 10 cm (3.9 in) in January. Lake Michigan-Huron water levels may rise slightly or could decline by as much as 10 cm (3.9 in).
Lake Superior News
Lay-up reports needed
As the end of the shipping season approaches, please send reports of vessel lay-ups to news@boatnerd.net. This will help us compile our annual lay-up list. Include vessel name, date, port and name of lay-up dock. Click here to view the Lay-Up List: https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-layup-2021-2022/
