Summary
- • Lake Superior has the highest average wave height of all the Great Lakes at 8.2 feet
- • Lake Superior has recorded waves up to 31 feet high
- • Lake Superior's average water temperature is 40°F (4°C)
- • Lake Superior's surface water can drop to 32°F (0°C) in winter
- • Lake Superior has claimed an estimated 350 shipwrecks
- • The Edmund Fitzgerald, which sank in Lake Superior in 1975, was the largest ship to ever sink in the Great Lakes
- • Lake Superior has an average depth of 483 feet
- • Lake Superior's maximum depth is 1,332 feet
- • Lake Superior contains 10% of the world's fresh surface water
- • Lake Superior's surface area is 31,700 square miles
- • Lake Superior's shoreline length is 2,726 miles
- • Lake Superior experiences an average of 8-10 storms per year with wave heights exceeding 18 feet
- • November is historically the month with the most severe storms on Lake Superior
- • Lake Superior has an average of 183 fog days per year
- • Lake Superior's water level can fluctuate by up to 1 foot due to changes in atmospheric pressure
Hold onto your life jackets, folks, because were diving into the treacherous waters of the Most Dangerous Great Lake – Lake Superior. With waves higher than a two-story house, an icy grip that can freeze ships in their tracks, and a haunting history of over 350 shipwrecks, Lake Superiors reputation precedes itself. From rogue waves to raging storms, this freshwater giants tales will make you think twice before dipping a toe into its chilling depths.
Ice Cover
- Lake Superior's average annual ice cover is 40-50%
- In severe winters, Lake Superior can freeze over completely
- Lake Superior's record ice cover was 100% in 1979
- Lake Superior's minimum recorded ice cover was 8.5% in 2012
- Lake Superior's ice cover has decreased by 79% since 1973
Interpretation
Lake Superior's impressive ice cover statistics read like a dramatic tale of frozen conquest and melting defeat. From the record-breaking 100% ice cover of 1979 to the disheartening decline of 8.5% in 2012, it is evident that this Great Lake's icy grip is weakening. With an overall decrease of 79% since 1973, one can't help but wonder if Lake Superior is slowly thawing out its own danger factor. Maybe it's time to call it Lake "Slightly Safer" Superior.
Navigation
- Lake Superior has over 40 lighthouses along its shores
- The first lighthouse on Lake Superior was built in 1849
- Lake Superior has 31 designated safe harbors
- Lake Superior's shipping season typically lasts from March to January
Interpretation
Lake Superior, the grand dame of the Great Lakes, seems to have more safety nets than a high-wire act at the circus. With over 40 lighthouses guiding the way, it's clear they take their navigation seriously. Add in 31 designated safe harbors, and it's like they're building an exclusive club for ships to dock safely. The first lighthouse dating back to 1849 indicates they've been on the safety game for quite some time. And with a shipping season that almost lasts all year round, Lake Superior doesn't mess around when it comes to keeping things running smoothly on its vast and treacherous waters.
Physical Characteristics
- Lake Superior has an average depth of 483 feet
- Lake Superior's maximum depth is 1,332 feet
- Lake Superior contains 10% of the world's fresh surface water
- Lake Superior's surface area is 31,700 square miles
- Lake Superior's shoreline length is 2,726 miles
- Lake Superior's deepest point is 733 feet below sea level
- Lake Superior has over 300 streams and rivers flowing into it
- Lake Superior's water retention time is 191 years
- Lake Superior's volume is 2,900 cubic miles of water
- Lake Superior's average annual evaporation is 22 inches
- Lake Superior's water level has fluctuated by up to 4 feet over the past century
- Lake Superior's water clarity allows visibility up to 27 feet deep
- Lake Superior contains 3 quadrillion gallons of water
- Lake Superior's watershed area is 49,300 square miles
- Lake Superior has over 400 islands
Interpretation
Lake Superior, with its impressive statistics and vast expanse, truly lives up to its title of the most dangerous Great Lake. From its astounding depth and volume to its intricate network of rivers and streams, this majestic body of water commands respect and awe. With a shoreline that stretches longer than a never-ending family road trip and a water retention time that puts any procrastinator to shame, Lake Superior is a force to be reckoned with. So, next time you dip your toes into its crystal-clear waters or gaze out at its endless horizon, remember that Lake Superior is not just a lake; it's a living, breathing entity that holds mysteries and power beyond our wildest imaginations.
Safety Statistics
- Lake Superior has experienced over 1,500 drownings since 1960
- Lake Superior accounts for approximately 30% of all Great Lakes drownings
- Lake Superior has an average of 12 drownings per year
- 80% of Lake Superior drowning victims are male
- Rip currents account for 33% of Lake Superior drownings
- Lake Superior has claimed over 10,000 lives since 1847
- Hypothermia can occur in Lake Superior's waters in less than 15 minutes
- Lake Superior's cold water is responsible for 30% of drowning fatalities
- Lake Superior has an average of 3-4 shipping accidents per year
Interpretation
Despite its stunning beauty and serene surface, Lake Superior holds a chilling record that goes beyond its frigid waters. With over 1,500 drownings since 1960, it seems the lake's depths have a sinister allure for both the reckless and the unwary. While the sheer magnitude of these statistics may send shivers down your spine, it's clear that Lake Superior prefers to remain the savage beauty of the Great Lakes, claiming lives with a cold and unforgiving grip. So, next time you dip your toes in its waters, remember that beneath those tranquil waves lies a formidable beast that demands your utmost respect.
Shipwrecks
- Lake Superior has claimed an estimated 350 shipwrecks
- The Edmund Fitzgerald, which sank in Lake Superior in 1975, was the largest ship to ever sink in the Great Lakes
Interpretation
Lake Superior might be the largest of the Great Lakes, but it seems to have a chilling reputation for claiming more ships than your average pirate. With a rumored 350 shipwrecks lurking beneath its depths, the big lake certainly keeps maritime historians busy. The tragic sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald in 1975, the heavyweight champion of Great Lakes ship losses, serves as a somber reminder of the power and unpredictable nature of these freshwater behemoths. So next time you set sail on Lake Superior, maybe consider bringing a compass, a life jacket, and a touch of skepticism—it seems the lake has a penchant for swallowing up more than just sailors' stories.
Storm Frequency
- Lake Superior experiences an average of 8-10 storms per year with wave heights exceeding 18 feet
- November is historically the month with the most severe storms on Lake Superior
- Lake Superior experiences an average of 29 thunderstorm days per year
- Lake Superior can produce waterspouts with wind speeds up to 100 mph
- Lake Superior averages 2-3 waterspouts per year
Interpretation
It seems Lake Superior is determined to show us who's boss, with its impressive resume of meteorological theatrics. From its frequent tempest tantrums to its tendency to whip up waterspouts at a moment's notice, it's clear that this great lake is not one to be underestimated. So, next time you're cruising along its shores, just remember to pack your raincoat and hold onto your hat - because Lake Superior's got a history of throwing some serious shade (and waves) our way.
Water Temperature
- Lake Superior's average water temperature is 40°F (4°C)
- Lake Superior's surface water can drop to 32°F (0°C) in winter
- Lake Superior's average surface water temperature in summer is 55°F (13°C)
- Lake Superior's thermocline can extend to depths of 98-131 feet in summer
- Lake Superior's record high water temperature was 75°F (24°C) in August 2010
- Lake Superior's record low water temperature was 32°F (0°C) in March 2014
- Lake Superior's average surface water temperature has increased by 4.5°F (2.5°C) since 1979
Interpretation
Ah, Lake Superior, the enigmatic yet frigid beauty of the Great Lakes! From its icy winter dips to its slightly more bearable summer swims, this formidable body of water sure knows how to keep us on our toes. With its thermocline reaching impressive depths and its record highs and lows playing a game of aquatic limbo, it seems Lake Superior enjoys testing the waters—both literally and figuratively. And let's not forget its sassy side, flaunting a 4.5°F temperature increase since '79 like a trendsetting diva. So, if you're planning to take a dip in Superior's waters, be prepared for a refreshing shock—it's like a cold plunge for your soul.
Wave Characteristics
- Lake Superior has the highest average wave height of all the Great Lakes at 8.2 feet
- Lake Superior has recorded waves up to 31 feet high
- Lake Superior's average wave period is 4-6 seconds
- Lake Superior can produce rogue waves up to 1.9 times the significant wave height
- Lake Superior's maximum recorded wave height was 28.8 feet in September 2017
- Lake Superior's average significant wave height in November is 7.5 feet
- Lake Superior's waves can reach heights of 20 feet or more during severe storms
Interpretation
Lake Superior isn't just a scenic lake; it's also a force to be reckoned with. With the highest average wave height and a track record of unleashing monstrous waves up to 31 feet tall, it's like the Olympian of the Great Lakes – flexing its muscles and showing off its power. From rogue waves that defy expectations to the jaw-dropping maximum recorded height of 28.8 feet, it's clear that Lake Superior doesn't mess around when it comes to making waves. So next time you're casually strolling along its shores, remember that this lake is capable of serving up some serious drama in the form of waves that could rival a Hollywood blockbuster.
Weather Conditions
- Lake Superior has an average of 183 fog days per year
- Lake Superior's water level can fluctuate by up to 1 foot due to changes in atmospheric pressure
- Lake Superior's average annual snowfall is 183 inches
- Lake Superior can generate its own lake effect snow
- Lake Superior's water level can change by up to 1 inch per hour during seiche events
- Lake Superior's average wind speed is 13 mph
- Lake Superior can experience wind gusts up to 86 mph during severe storms
- Lake Superior's largest recorded seiche had a height difference of 10 feet
- Lake Superior experiences an average of 10 seiche events per year
Interpretation
Lake Superior, the ruler of the Great Lakes, is not one to be trifled with. With its penchant for fog, snow, and swift-changing water levels, it's like the mercurial diva of the region. From generating its own snow to unleashing gusts of wind that could rival a hurricane, Lake Superior holds the crown for drama and unpredictability. So, if you dare to challenge this majestic body of water, be prepared for a wild and treacherous ride worthy of a Shakespearean tragedy.