PROJECT ALERT NOTICE (MI)

Date: Thu, 31 Jan 2013 12:12:22 EST

Summary: Minor Flooding in Michigan's Lower Peninsula

Minor flooding is occurring in some parts of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. Four river basins with some flooded areas are the White, Muskegon, Grand, and Chippewa. The Pere Marquette River is currently expected to crest just below flood stage on February 2. Muskegon River flooding is largely the result of a susbstantial ice jam in the upper basin causing flooding both upstream and downstream of the jam. On Tuesday and Wednesday, warm temperatures and rainfall ranging from 1 to 2 inches resulted in significant runoff, particular in areas with greatest snowpack. Temperatures have cooled nearly 40 degrees in some areas since Tuesday and lake effect snow is falling along, and inland of, the Lake Michigan coast currently.

Although flooding is minor, field staff dispatched from Lansing and Grayling Field Offices was 7 crews with 10 total employees yesterday; and 2 two-man crews are continuing to make selected discharge measurements today. Several crews have also collected water-quality samples at Great Lakes Restoration Initiative sites during this event.

Sub-Region: Midwest; Region: Central United States