Are there currents in the great lakes

They have graciously allowed us to show visualization of lake currents here until license issues are resolved. Python scripts courtesy of Rich Signell. Please send feedback and inquiries to: Margaret Lansing.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. There are many different currents in the Great Lakes and some are dangerous. Did you find this article useful? Please tell us why Submit. Fish Notes: A seasonal e-newsletter about fish and fishing in West Michigan.

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However, it should be noted that even when there is not an increased risk of rip currents forecast, beachgoers should always use caution when swimming as rip currents can occur at anytime when waves of any size are present, especially near fixed structures such as piers, groins or jetties. Please Contact Us. Please try another search. Multiple locations were found. Please select one of the following:. Location Help. News Headlines. Customize Your Weather. Privacy Policy.

Great Lakes Rip Currents Weather. Current Hazards. Rivers and Lakes. Climate and Past Weather. Rip Currents Rip currents most typically form at low spots or breaks in sandbars, and also near structures such as groins, jetties and piers.

Have you ever been swimming in one of the Great Lakes and suddenly realized that your towel and shoes were way up the beach? Many currents are like this — nothing to worry about. However, currents that are stronger, and therefore more dangerous, are fairly common in the Great Lakes. As currents strengthen, they can turn from inconvenient to dangerous and even deadly. This aerial shot shows where rip currents are most likely to occur — in the swimming zones along shore. Water can pile up between the shore and the sandbars until it needs to create a means of escape, causing a rip current from the shore out to the open water.

The right image shows an overlay of the different areas within the swim zone. Currents can form from any combination of wind, waves, bottom formation, beach slope, water temperature, man-made structures and natural outlets. It has to find a way back out to sea.