If you’ve spent any time downtown Cheboygan lately, you know that Old Man Winter hasn’t been shy this year. Between the lake-effect snow and those sub-zero mornings that make the Yankee Sunshine feel like she’s hibernating, it’s been a classic Northern Michigan winter.
But as a captain, I’m always looking past the snow drifts and thinking about what’s happening underneath the ice. The big question I get asked at the shop is: “Is all this snow going to raise the lake levels this summer?”
The answer is a bit more “maritime-complex” than just a simple yes. Here is how our cold, snowy winter is currently shaping Lake Huron.
1. The Power of the “Ice Shield”
One of the biggest factors for our water levels isn’t actually snow—it’s ice. When we have a long, cold stretch that freezes large portions of Lake Huron and the Straits, it acts like a giant lid. This “ice shield” stops evaporation, which is actually the biggest “drain” on the Great Lakes during the winter months. By keeping the water under a lid, we preserve the levels we already have.
2. The “Snow Bank” Account
Think of all that snow piling up on the North Central State Trail and in our backyards as a savings account. We won’t see that “money” until the spring thaw. When the melt happens, that water runs into our rivers—like the Cheboygan and Black Rivers—and eventually makes its way into the lake.
However, if the ground stays frozen during the melt, the water runs right into the lake (raising levels). If the ground thaws first, the earth “drinks” the water instead, which is great for our trees but does less for our docks.
3. The Multi-Year Cycle
It’s important to remember that Lake Huron is a slow mover. One snowy winter doesn’t usually cause a massive spike, just like one dry summer doesn’t cause a total drop. We are currently in a period of “seasonal normalcy,” which is actually great news for our shipwrecks! Moderate levels mean we can still get the Yankee Sunshine close enough for those perfect glass-bottom views without worrying about shifting shoals.
⚓ What to Expect This Season
Based on the current snowpack and ice cover, we are anticipating stable, healthy water levels for the 2026 season. This means:
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Great visibility for our shipwreck tours.
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Easy navigation through the locks and up the river.
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Safe harbor at the Mackinaw City and St. Ignace docks.
While we might be shoveling today, we’re really just preparing for a beautiful, full-water summer on the Straits. We can’t wait to get back out there with you!
Stay warm, and we’ll see you at the dock soon.
— Captain Jenn
