Water evaporating from Lake Huron's surface in winter contributes to lake level changes. "Evaporation from the Great Lakes generally peaks in the fall to early winter months, when the air temperature above the lakes drops, but the water remains relatively warmer and ice-free. The rate of evaporation from the lakes is dependent on a number of factors including wind speed, air temperature, water temperature, and ice cover. Significant evaporation occurs when dry cold air blows over warmer lake water; conditions encountered when air temperatures drop rapidly from above- to below freezing. When air temperatures drop quickly, and the lake is ice-free, watch for the mist above the surface of the lake as evidence that evaporation is occurring." More evaporation throughout the winter can contribute to lower lake levels the following year. Frequent years with low ice cover can insinuate dropping lake levels.

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In the second chart below, Ice cover on Lake Huron has been monitored since 1973 by NOAA and Environment and Climate Change Canada. This graph shows a long-term decrease in average ice cover on Lake Huron from ~72% to ~58%.

Quote from: https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/eccc/levelnews/2018/LEVELnews_12_2018_e.pdf