Lake Michigan, MI

As of 2026-09-30, Lake Michigan sits at 579.19 ft, which is about average for this time of year. Over the past 30 days the level has fallen 0.38 ft.

The most recent reading at Lake Michigan is 579.19 ft (2026-09-30), sourced from NOAA CO-OPS (IGLD 1985). Readings on this page refresh automatically as the agency publishes new data.

The highest level for Lake Michigan in our records is 582.52 ft on 2020-08-03. The lowest is 575.73 ft on 2013-01-04. Our record covers about 36 years of readings.

Compared with every September in our records, the current level is higher than 53% of them, which we classify as about average for this time of year. Seasonal comparison matters more than the raw number, because most reservoirs draw down predictably through late summer and refill over winter and spring.

Great Lakes levels move for three main reasons: rainfall and runoff into the basin, releases through the dam for downstream water supply, power generation or flood control, evaporation during hot months, and seasonal drawdown schedules set by the operating agency. Lake Michigan has fallen 0.38 ft over the past 30 days. For the operational reason on any given week, check NOAA CO-OPS (IGLD 1985) directly.

Lake Michigan is +0.40 ft compared with this date last year (579.19 ft today). The full-history chart above covers 36 years, with a record high of 582.52 ft and a record low of 575.73 ft.