[masraum]

Originally Posted by NYPorsche

It's a pretty common occurrence - notable ones happen 4-6 times each fall/winter. This one with a 13.7 foot elevation difference across the lake was higher in magnitude than is common (8-11 foot elevations differences happen a couple times each winter). Levels came up to LWD +7.9 ft in Buffalo and dropped to LWD -5.8 ft in Toledo.

Technically speaking the difference in water levels is a storm setup and the seiche is the response when the winds stop and the water sloshes back and forth between Buffalo and Toledo. The oscillation usually goes on for a couple of days.



Lake Erie has larger storm setups and subsequent seiche responses due to its orientation relatively in line with the prevailing wind direction and shallower water. The other lakes will see some changes in water level, but not nearly as substantial.

Snipped some stuff for brevity's sake, but lots of interesting, good info. Thanks for posting. It makes sense that with the potential for huge level differences, it wouldn't just immediately stop but would have to slosh a bit before it returns to equilibrium.

I was assuming that the length and orientation of the lake had to play into this due to wind direction. The depth also enhancing things also makes sense.