TRAVERSE CITY (AP) -- You may have noticed the water levels in the lakes across Northern Michigan a little lower this year.
Well, that's because the levels are within four-tenths of an inch highter than historic low levels in 1964.
Although the levels are low, the Department of Natural Resources say it's normal for this time of year.
The lakes run on a cycle. The winter snow and rainfall help recharge the lakes for spring, then the summer months take some of that water away.
But, the DNR says the mild winters like we had last year don't allow the lakes and streams to recharge.
"A few more consistent high snowfalls and years of consisten preciptation should get us back up on that upward trend," says Heather Hettinger, a Fisheries Management Biologist with the DNR.
(Copyright ©2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
