Indicative to the north central part of United States, the region’s continental climate is defined by westerly winds that dictate the weather patterns and by winters with prolong periods of snow cover.   Lake Superior affects the climate of the Keweenaw Peninsula immensely. The lake dampens the temperature variation in comparison to temperatures in much of central U.S.   Average summer temperatures (°F) range from highs in the mid 70’s to lows in the mid-55’s.   Average winter temperatures range from the mid-20’s to single digits.   The lake also causes significant amounts of lake effect snow to fall on the region.   On average 215 inches of snow falls on the peninsula each year.  In Houghton County, the total average yearly precipitation is approximately 34 inches.  

Possible microclimates affecting the watershed are from the general north-south downward slope of the watershed.   This orientation is such that the watershed receives more sun in the summer months.

The report Record Precipitation and Temperature (by Melanie Barbier and Jennifer McConville) contains graphs of (i) Record Snow Fall by Month; (ii) Average and Record Temperatures by Day; (iii) Mean Monthly Precipitaton by Month; (iv) Record Daily Precipitation and (v) Average Solar Radiation by Month.

Developing the Huron Creek Watershed Management Plan