The International Lake Superior Board of Control said Friday that the lake's water level declined by a record one inch in April, which is normally the month when the lake begins its seasonal rise.  The board said Lake Superior is expected to begin its seasonal rise in May.

At the beginning of May, the lake is six inches above the 100-year average but two inches below the level at this time last year.

The lake had been at near-record high levels before beginning its decline amid dry conditions earlier this year.  The high water levels have led to an increase in erosion and shoreline damage.

The board received permission from the International Joint Commission to allow more water to flow out of Lake Superior in the coming months than prescribed by a 2012 plan, in an effort to offset reductions in hydropower flows due to winter maintenance.  Gates in the St. Marys River are used to control the water flow.