South Haven area businesses may be paying close attention to Lake Michigan water levels moreso this year than in any year dating back to the mid 1980s as they watch the beaches fade from the scene. Big money hangs every year on the tourism success of attracting beachcombers and their families and friends to the resort town, and with a disappearing beachfront, there will be increasing concerns for the reaction.
The City of South Haven's Communications Department has shared data today regarding the lake levels and preparations along the waterfront for the tourist season. They are cautioning that Lake Michigan water levels are nearing the 1986 historic high mark. They report "Over the past month, staff from the Department of Public Works has been working to prepare our public beaches for the upcoming summer season. This work typically entails removal of snow fencing from the North & South Beach and leveling of the sand drifts that occur during the winter months."
The city notes that the sand is typically leveled to permit access to beach areas by a beach cleaner, however due to the high water levels on Lake Michigan, the beach areas "are considerably smaller than the past few years." Specifically, south of Van Buren Street, the city reports the beach area is inundated up to the fore dune at the base of the bluff.
Lake Michigan reached a historic high water level of 582.6 feet in the summer of 1986. City staff says, "Historic accounts from that time indicate that erosion along the lake shore was very close to the bottom of the Blue Stairs." They add, "As the water level receded from the historic high, the fore dune was created by the natural forces of Lake Michigan moving sand back into this area."
Over the past winter, wave action on Lake Michigan has actually created a "cliff" at the water's edge "in excess of 8-feet high in certain locations." Due to the safety hazard of a steep drop-off such as that, South Haven public works crews have been working to re-grade the area near the water's edge. However, the city is restricted from placing the sand into the lake, so efforts have been concentrated on moving excess sand away from the top of the drop off.
The city reports that once that work is completed, workers will have new dune grass planted through the areas where the sand was relocated. They say Lake Michigan water levels are currently near 580-feet and are expected to continue to rise through July. While they approach historic highs, the July peak is still projected to be 2-feet lower than the 1986 historic high. Crews are continuing to monitor the area to ensure safety for visitors and residents alike.
The chart above comes from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
South Haven's summer season population expands dramatically as the beach town welcomes seasonal residents and visitors in droves. There may not be enough beach to accommodate everyone wishing to hit a beach towel this year.
