Lake Erie seiche expected Wednesday
Trillions of gallons of water will drain and become displaced from western Lake Erie in a very rare and major “seiche” that is expected to begin Wednesday. The passage of a powerful cold front early Wednesday morning will blast the Great Lakes with high winds by late afternoon. It’s likely that wind gusts may reach 60 mph over the lake. Huge waves of 18-20 feet offshore in central Lake Erie are possible.
The persistent and gusty southwest to west wind of 30-45 mph with gusts to 60 mph are ideal conditions to empty the shallow western basin of Lake Erie. This seiche may be similar to the January 2023 event that left the bottom of western Lake Erie completely exposed in spots.
While this rare phenomenon may expose hundreds or perhaps thousands of feet of Lake Erie shoreline, the water will be eventually return and slosh back and forth as winds relent. This mass movement of water and sloshing back and forth similar to water in a bathtub is known as a seiche.
[Lyn Crouse]
Giant waves are forecast on Lake Huron.
How high the waves could get
Strong winds from a clipper system heading for Michigan are expected to create monster waves on the Great Lakes this week.
A gale watch and small craft advisory are in place for mariners, boaters and lakeside communities to prepare across the region as the system moves eastward.
The waters of Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Superior and Lake Erie are under a gale watch in the expectation of strengthening winds reaching 40-45 knots (46-51 mph), according to the National Weather Service. The wind is expected to create large waves, with northern Lake Huron experiencing waves up to 22 feet high from Sturgeon Point Lighthouse (north of Harrisville) to Alabaster.
“Mariners should consider altering plans to avoid possible hazardous conditions,” said the NWS. “Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for severe wind and waves.”
Lake Michigan, Huron, Superior and Erie are forecast to see waves from 6-19 feet high.
[Lansing State Journal]
Corps of Engineers removes Obelisk at Brady Park; it will not be relocated
SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, recently removed the Obelisk signifying the Soo Locks 50th anniversary located in Brady Park, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
When the Obelisk was constructed in 1905 to mark the 50th anniversary of the opening of the first Soo Lock, it was placed on an Indigenous burial site, related to multiple tribes including the Bay Mills Indian Community and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
“In June of 1820, during treaty negotiations at Sault Ste. Marie, our grandfather, Crane Clan Chief of the Great Lakes, Shingabowaasin, made it clear to the United States that our ancient burial ground, Wudjiwong, must be protected,” Bay Mills Ojibwe History Department said. “He insisted that its protection be written into the treaty, recognizing even then—205 years ago—that this land held the remains and the spirit of our people since time immemorial. His words have guided us for seven generations.”
“For decades, we have sought to have the obelisk removed from this sacred place. Today, we feel a deep sense of fulfillment and gratitude to finally be able to witness this moment. In honoring the work that our grandfather, Shingabowaasin, began so long ago, we carry forward his vision and commitment.
Now, we can once again stand upon this ground as our ancestors did before us—without obstruction—knowing that their resting place has been respected. Finally achieving what was promised: the recognition and protection of this ancient burial ground.
This was a historic day of healing, restoration, and fulfillment,” the history department said.
The removal of the Obelisk was conducted in accordance with a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) developed in consultation with federally recognized Tribes, Michigan State Historic Preservation Office and National Park Service.
“The Obelisk’s placement on our ancestors’ burial grounds was a painful reminder of a time when Tribal voices were ignored,” said Austin Lowes, Chairman of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. “It’s removal is an important step toward healing and shows respect for our people, our culture, and our sacred sites. We appreciate the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ partnership in making this right.”
In acknowledgment of the cultural and historical significance of this location, and in consultation with federally recognized Tribes who continue to utilize the location within Brady Park for cultural and religious practices, the Corps of Engineers removed the Obelisk.
“This action reflects our commitment to respectful stewardship of cultural resources on Corps of Engineers land and our ongoing relationship with federally recognized Tribes,” said Lt. Col. Wallace Bandeff, commander of the Corps of Engineers, Detroit District. “While we cannot change the past, removal of the Obelisk allows Tribal members to utilize this important site without impediment into the future.
The Obelisk will not be relocated. An interpretive exhibit on the Obelisk will be created and placed in the Soo Locks Park or visitor center in the future.
The Corps of Engineers remains committed to fostering meaningful government-to-government relationships with federally recognized Tribes and to ensuring future projects are developed in consultation with federally recognized Tribes and stakeholders.
[U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District]
Christmas Tree Ship: Historically-inspired holiday
tradition returns to National Museum of the Great Lakes
TOLEDO, Ohio — The National Museum of the Great Lakes is holding its annual Christmas Tree Ship event, a tradition with historic roots and an emphasis on giving during the holiday season.
The event encourages the public to purchase a live 5 to 7 foot Christmas Tree for themselves or to donate one to a community member in need. The trees are sourced from Matthes Tree Farm in Ida, Michigan. They can be pre-purchased through Sunday, Nov. 30 at 1 p.m., according to a press release from the museum. Trees are $80 each.
On Saturday, Dec. 6, the public can watch Santa Claus arrive on a tugboat filled with Christmas trees for families.
The event, which is centered around the giving season, also invited the public to purchase gift card donations for the museum to distribute to local organizations, including the East Toledo Family Center, Family House, Lucas County Children Services and Sylvania Area Family Services.
Also partnering with NMGL in the project are presenters UToledo Health and the Port of Museum. The former’s help will ensure every tree or gift card donation will include a health hygiene kit for families in need, NMGL said.
The event will coincide with free museum admission and include a variety of family holiday events, such as the East Toledo Holiday Parade and a Meet and Greet with Santa.
The event takes its inspiration from the historic schooner “Rouse Simmons,” which was known as the original Christmas Tree ship. Rouse Simmons sank on Nov. 23, 1912 while carrying a load of Christmas trees to Chicago. Its captain was well-known for giving trees to families in need, NMGL said on its website.
Those who are interested in learning more about receiving a donated tree should call United Way at 211.
For more information, or to purchase a Christmas tree, click here: https://nmgl.org/event/christmas-tree-ship25/
