Lake Erie Water Level Today

Real-time water elevation, temperature, and flow data for Lake Erie, Ohio. Updated daily from USGS.

Water Surface Elevation

Sensor Data Unavailable

Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Water Temperature

No Data Available

💧 Current Flow Rate

Current discharge: 526 cfs. Normal flow conditions suitable for most river activities.

Lake Erie Map & Location

GPS: 43.08258330°N, -76.87752778°W

Get Directions

About Lake Erie Water Level

Lake Erie is the fourth-largest of the five Great Lakes and the eleventh-largest lake in the world by surface area. Spanning approximately 9,910 square miles, it borders four U.S. states (Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Michigan) and the Canadian province of Ontario.

Lake Erie is the shallowest of the Great Lakes with an average depth of only 62 feet and a maximum depth of 210 feet. This shallow depth makes it the warmest Great Lake in summer but also the first to freeze in winter. Water levels fluctuate based on precipitation, snowmelt, evaporation, and outflow through the Niagara River.

The lake's water level is critically important for shipping, coastal property, water intake systems, and recreation. High water levels have caused significant coastal flooding and erosion in recent years, while low levels can impede commercial shipping in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway system.

Lake Erie is known for world-class walleye fishing, particularly in the western basin near the Lake Erie Islands. Other popular catches include yellow perch, smallmouth bass, steelhead trout, and channel catfish. The lake also supports a significant commercial fishing industry.

Explore more Great Lakes data on our Ohio water levels, Michigan water levels, or view the national dashboard.

Lake Erie Water Level FAQ

What is the Lake Erie water level today?

Lake Erie water level is updated daily from USGS monitoring stations. Check the data cards above for the current elevation. Lake Erie levels have been above long-term averages in recent years.

Is Lake Erie water level rising or falling?

Lake Erie water levels follow seasonal patterns — typically rising in spring and early summer from snowmelt and precipitation, then falling in late summer and fall due to evaporation. Long-term trends show increasing variability with both record highs and concerning lows.

Is it safe to swim in Lake Erie?

Swimming in Lake Erie is generally safe at designated beaches. However, check for beach advisories related to bacterial contamination or harmful algal blooms (HABs), which typically occur in the western basin during late summer.

What fish can you catch in Lake Erie?

Lake Erie is famous as the "Walleye Capital of the World." Other popular species include yellow perch, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, steelhead trout, and channel catfish. Fishing licenses are required from the respective bordering state.

Other Ohio Water Bodies

East Branch Big Creek At Brooklyn Oh river East Fork Little Miami River At Perintown Oh river Unnamed Trib To W B Rocky R Near Olmsted Falls Oh lake Portage River At Woodville Oh river North Fork Licking River At Utica Oh river Tuscarawas River Below Massillon Oh river Muskingum River At Beverly Oh river Black Fork Below Charles Mill Dam Near Mifflin Oh reservoir

View all Ohio water bodies →