6-4-14 frigid lake superior

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — The aftermath of the long, frigid winter continues to affect Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes.  A research team funded partly by the University of Michigan finds that surface water temperatures over the deepest sections of the lake are expected to be at least 6 degrees colder than normal by August.  That will delay the point at which heavy evaporation begins, which will boost water levels faster than normal.  Climatologist John Lenters of Ann Arbor-based Limno Tech says the result could be a water-level gain of up to 10 inches by next spring, although much will depend on amounts of rain and snow between now and then.  Water levels also are expected to rise in the other Great Lakes, continuing the recovery from a prolonged low-water period.