2026 Current Lake Michigan Water Levels
Lake Michigan Water Levels Down -7 Inches in Past 12 Months
After several years of historically high levels, Lake Michigan water levels are finally trending downward in 2026. According to the latest data, water levels in Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay have dropped 7 inches compared to this time last year and are now 17 inches lower than two years ago.
This shift is closely watched by Lake Michigan waterfront property owners, especially those in Leelanau County and Grand Traverse County, as changing lake levels directly impact shoreline conditions, erosion, docks, and long-term property planning.
Official Lake Michigan Water Level Data (January 9, 2026)
Water level data is collected and published by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the official source for current and historical Great Lakes water levels.
Date of Reading: January 9, 2026
Current Lake Michigan Water Level: 577.5 feet
Lake Michigan Water Level Comparisons
Change from January 9, 2025: –7 inches
Difference from Long-Term Average: –12 inches
Difference from Highest Monthly Average (2020): –49 inches
Difference from Lowest Monthly Average (2013): +17 inches
Lake Michigan Water Level Projection
Projected Change by February 10, 2026: –1 inch
What This Means for Waterfront Property Owners
Lower water levels can reduce erosion pressure but may expose shoreline, affect dock usability, and change beach conditions—especially along Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay waterfront properties. For buyers and sellers, water level trends are now becoming a bigger conversation point than they’ve been in recent years.
Short version: the lake is coming back toward normal. Slowly. No panic. No headlines. Just physics doing its thing.
For more information on current & past historic records regarding the Great Lakes Water Levels please visit: https://water.usace.army.mil/office/lre/docs/weekly/weekly.pdf
Tags Lake Michigan, Waterfront, Water Levels, Leelanau County, Grand Traverse County, West Grand Traverse Bay, Suttons Bay, Northport, Leland, Omena, Glen Arbor, Empire, Traverse City