Compilation of data for Michigan lakes

Open-File Report 70-227
Prepared in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Geological Survey Division
By:  and 

Links

Abstract

Michigan's more than 11,000 lakes are a valuable resource. Primarily, they are used for recreation but many have potential for industrial use and for water supply.

Lakes have water surfaces ·that expand and decrease in area, and levels that rise and fall. Records of lakes levels show that lake stages change, have seasonal trends, and may fluctuate several feet each year. Often; these changes affect the use of lakes and cause erosion of their shorelines. It is important, therefore, to monitor lake levels in order to add to their understanding and to provide a basis for increasing their usefulness.

In the early 1940's, and in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, a network of lake gages was established in Michigan to observe lake levels. In subsequent years, this network of lake gages was changed to provide a broad areal coverage of lakes in the State, to answer specific requests for data, and to obtain information on a large portion of Michigan's many lakes. These data have been applied primarily in studies involving the design of lake-level control facilities and establishing legal levels for lakes.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Compilation of data for Michigan lakes
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 70-227
DOI 10.3133/ofr70227
Year Published 1970
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Lansing, MI
Contributing office(s) Michigan Water Science Center
Description ix, 368 p.
Country United States
State Michigan
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details