MICHIGAN 
Weather and Water Conditions 
Michigan experienced one of the severest winters in the 
past two decades. Persistent cold weather and heavy snow were 
the rule over the entire State. Complete absence of the usual 
thaws was an uncommon feature. Weather Bureau records for 
January, February, and March show precipitation totals were from 
1.5 inches below normal in the Upper Peninsula to 2 inches above 
normal in the southwestern part of the Lower Peninsula. Precipi- 
tation was mostly in the form of snow resulting in a record 
accumulation for several areas. 
An abundant runoff of water occurred in March and 
April with the levels of inland lakes showing marked improvements 
from the lows of the previous summer. In the southern half of 
the Lower Peninsula inland lake levels were generally 0.1 to 0.3 
feet above the 15-year median for April. Northern lakes were 
near record high stages. During May and June rainfall was defi- 
cient, stream flows declined, and inland lake levels dropped. 
The June levels were 0.2 to 0.4 feet below the 15-year median. 
While many ponds and swales are now dry (July), it is question- 
able whether this situation seriously affected duck production 
because of available water this spring and the numerous bodies 
of permanent water in Michigan. 
Breeding Population Indices 
The potential breeding population compared to the 
previous years were as follows: 
Lineal miles Potential breeders 
Year eer  eSUISEM per lineal mile 

1949 85.0 6.80 
1950 81.0 7-91 
1951 120.0 8.18 
1952 82.0 7.13 
1953 95.5 12.75 
1954 93.5 12.31 
1955 111.2 1.00 
1956 - 110.5 11.48 
1957 135.4 9.30 
1958 121.0 15.00 
1959 135.0 13.46 
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