After a rapid rise during a wet June, Lake Superior saw less rainfall than usual in July when it rose only an inch, compared to the usual 2-inch rise for the month.
The International Lake Superior Board of Control Thursday reported that the lower-than-normal rise in July puts the lake 9 inches below its average Aug. 1 level but still an inch higher than at this time last year.
Meanwhile, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron dropped 4 inches in July, a month when the lakes usually hold steady. The level of the lakes is now 22 inches below their long-term average and 9 inches below the Aug. 1, 2011, level.
