Lake Superior Water Spotter

Help document changing water levels and shoreline impacts along Lake Superior and the St. Louis River Estuary

In 2020, we started a collection site to help document shoreline impacts from an unusually long period of high water levels on Lake Superior. As scientists predict Great Lakes water levels will see more unpredictable swings between more extreme highs and lows, we’re hoping to gather up photos from around Lake Superior and its adjoining estuaries that capture what these conditions look like. A visual record can help decision-makers remember what water is capable of in changing circumstances. Can you help?

Click below to share your photos today with the Lake Superior Water Spotter!

sandy beach along Lake Superior

View submitted photos

You can view submitted photos on the Water Spotter Photo Viewer map, which is updated frequently to include new images as they come in. View photos by clicking the button below.

If you can snap a photo of the shoreline, you can submit to the Water Spotter Project! All photo submissions that show the Lake Superior and St. Louis River Estuary shoreline are welcome.

Consider submitting shoreline photos that capture any of the following:
  • Exceptionally high water that is, including where water is overtopping or flooding an area unexpectedly
  • Exceptionally low water, including areas where water or structure access is impeded
  • Shore conditions following a storm event, including damage to shoreline or structures
  • Storm surge, waves and seiche impacts
high water levels at boat launch
higher water levels at boat launch
eroded Lake Superior shoreline

Who will use the photos?

The Lake Superior Water Spotter is an initiative of the Coastal Hazards of Superior (CHAOS) Community of Practice. CHAOS is a community for sharing knowledge and resources about natural hazards that affect Lake Superior coastal communities. Your images will be used to document the impacts of high water on Lake Superior and will be shared with the community, local decision-makers and emergency managers.

Coastal Hazards of Superior