With warmer temperatures, less snowfall and nearly no ice coverage this winter, it’s likely that spring and summer lake levels could drop at least two inches, according the Army Corps of Engineers.

Great Lakes Area Engineer, Tom O’Bryan, said if the pattern remains for the duration of the winter, Lake Michigan is in for a two to four-inch loss instead of the usual rise seen in the spring.

However, there are a number of factors effecting lake levels, he added, and the amount of liquid precipitation this winter could still raise water levels.

“Lake levels are not only dependent on ice coverage on the water, which prevents evaporation, but also on the snow pack, which melts in the spring.”

Northern Michigan’s thermometers need to start dropping-- and stay at below freezing temperatures.

“We rely on the natural cycle of cold weather and lots of snow here in northern Michigan,” O’Bryan said.