What is the highest wave recorded on Lake Michigan?

But what is the tallest wave ever recorded on Lake Michigan? Records show that the highest wave recorded reached 23 feet. It came in September 2011 and was recorded by a buoy that has measured waves since 1981. The largest wave was taller than some houses!



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Meteotsunamis are frequently observed in the Great Lakes, averaging 106 events per year. Examples of destructive Great Lakes meteotsunamis include: In 1929, a retreating 20 foot wave pulled ten people to their deaths at in Lake Michigan at Grand Haven, MI.

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Thankfully, though, a REAL tsunami is VERY unlikely on the Great Lakes, as there are no major fault lines that run underneath them that could cause earthquakes. But that doesn't mean, big waves aren't out of the question on them.

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While the terminology tsunami does not technically apply in the Great Lakes (it is an ocean phenomenon), a large, rogue wave or set of waves crashing along our freshwater shores are not unheard of. In 2013, just such a wave occurred along one Lake Erie beach, sweeping several people up and taking them out to sea.

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The lakes have more coastline than the East and West coasts combined! While ocean waves are created by distant storm systems, waves on the Great Lakes are formed by localized winds.

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If the waves are 0-1 feet high (0-0.3 meters), the sea is “doable” and safe for swimming. If the surf height is 2-3 feet (0.8-1 meters), ocean conditions are questionable.

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Lake Michigan is generally clean and safe for swimming but it can become contaminated with harmful bacteria.

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Lake Michigan in particular is the roughest of the Great Lakes, and poses a major risk to those thinking of taking a dip.

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