Water levels continue to rise at Cheboygan Dam despite mitigation efforts

**Water levels continue to rise at Cheboygan Dam despite mitigation efforts; levee breach prompts evacuations in northern Michigan**

**CHEBOYGAN, Mich.** — Cheboygan County officials have ordered immediate evacuations for residents in low-lying areas north of the city after a levee breach on the Little Black River Watershed Tuesday afternoon. Meanwhile, water levels at the **Cheboygan Lock & Dam Complex** continue to rise, hovering just inches below the crest and raising concerns about potential overtopping despite active countermeasures.As of the 7 a.m. Tuesday, April 14 update from the State Emergency Operations Center, water levels stood approximately **7.7 inches** below the top of the dam structure — up from about 13.75 inches the previous morning. Levels are measured daily in the morning but monitored continuously around the clock.

The rise is driven by a combination of record snowfall from March, accelerated snowmelt, and heavy overnight rainfall across northern Michigan. A large piece of ice also damaged safety infrastructure near the dam earlier in the event.**Mitigation efforts underway at the dam**  

State and local agencies, including the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), are working aggressively to manage water levels. Measures include:

- Deploying multiple large pumps (with more being added) to divert water from behind the dam toward Lake Huron.

- Removing gates overnight with a mechanical crane to increase flow-through.

- Activating previously deactivated hydroelectric turbines in coordination with Consumers Energy and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to allow additional water passage.

Despite these efforts, officials warn that conditions remain unpredictable and could worsen with additional precipitation.

**Evacuation orders and "Ready-Set-Go" plan**  Residents in the "cautionary zone" downstream of the Cheboygan Dam remain on standby, as water levels have entered the **"Ready"** phase of the emergency managers' "Ready, Set, Go" evacuation plan.

During the **"Ready"** phase, residents should:

- Prepare a **go-bag** containing medications, important documents, cash, and essentials.

- Review and update their family emergency plan, including meeting points and communication methods.

- Secure outdoor items, move valuables and furniture to higher levels, and elevate appliances if possible.

- Avoid riverbanks, low-lying areas, and flooded roads.

- Monitor official updates closely and be prepared to act quickly.

If water levels reach **6 inches** below the top of the dam, rising at a rate of **3 or more inches per day**, and forecasts predict overtopping within 48 hours, the plan would advance to the **"Set"** phase. At that point, residents in affected areas should pack belongings, prepare pets and vehicles, and be ready for immediate evacuation.

The **cautionary zone** for potential flooding from the Cheboygan Dam extends along both riverbanks, reaching into North Main Street and North Huron Street on the northwest bank, and South A Street on the southeast bank.Separately, a **levee breach** occurred Tuesday in the **Little Black River Watershed** (west/northwest of Cheboygan and not connected to the Cheboygan River or its dam). This prompted mandatory evacuations for impacted low-lying areas. Residents there have been directed to travel south into Cheboygan until further notice.

The evacuation zone for the Little Black River breach includes:

- US-23 shoreline from approximately Pries Landing south to the Cheboygan River

- Areas down to Lincoln Street, back along Court Street

- Extending to Levering Road and Inverness Trail, up to the US-23 shoreline

This breach has caused flooding over areas including the Cheboygan Golf Course and has prompted assistance from Michigan State Police troopers for evacuations and road closures. The Little Black River flows directly into Lake Huron and is independent of the Cheboygan River system.

**Broader flooding threats across northern Michigan**  

Dam safety engineers from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (**EGLE**) are actively inspecting six "critical" dams threatened by high water:

- Upper Hiawatha Dam (Montmorency County)

- Hillman Dam (Montmorency County)

- Homestead Dam (Benzie County)

- Union Street Dam (Grand Traverse County)

- Rugg Pond Dam (Kalkaska County)

- Bellaire Dam (Antrim County)

Additionally, **Buck's Pond Dam** (a small dam in Alcona County) failed Monday night, damaging the roadway over it and sending water into Hubbard Lake. The Sturgeon River has also overflowed its banks, causing widespread flooding in parts of the region.

The entire Lower Peninsula remains under a flood watch, with the Michigan State Police and local emergency managers monitoring dozens of other dams.

**State of energy emergency declared**  

On Tuesday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order declaring a **state of energy emergency** across Michigan. This builds on her earlier declaration of a state of emergency specifically for Cheboygan County (issued April 10).

The order temporarily suspends certain motor carrier regulations, including driver hours-of-service limits, to ensure reliable fuel transport and support for emergency responders, utility crews, and critical services in northern Michigan.

“With already high water levels across the state and more rain in the forecast, I am temporarily suspending motor carrier regulations for driver hours to stabilize fuel supplies... and support local communities, first responders, and utility crews,” Whitmer said.

**More rain on the way**  

The National Weather Service forecasts additional showers and thunderstorms across Lower Michigan:

- Tuesday evening into early Wednesday: Heaviest impacts expected in southern Lower Michigan (up to 3 inches of rain possible, with hail and an isolated tornado risk). Northern areas could see 1 inch or more in spots.

- Continued shower and thunderstorm chances on Wednesday and Thursday.

These conditions could further strain rivers, dams, and saturated soils.

**Safety resources and recommendations**  

Authorities urge residents to:

- Check the **Michigan State Police Emergency Management & Homeland Security Division** website and Facebook page for real-time updates.

- Visit the state's **MiDrive** website for road closures and travel information.

- Review the **Michigan Flood Safety Fact Sheet Series** for preparation, response, and recovery tips.

- Consult the **Michigan Prepares** website (Michigan Department of Health and Human Services) for emergency planning guidance, including family plans and pet safety. Well owners should follow the state's online fact sheet on protecting private water supplies from contamination. If using generators during power outages, refer to MDHHS resources to prevent **carbon monoxide poisoning**. Information on utility **outage credits** is available from the Michigan Public Service Commission.Officials emphasize that flooding can happen quickly — never drive through flooded roads ("Turn Around, Don’t Drown"), and stay informed through local county emergency management alerts.

This is a rapidly evolving situation. Residents should follow guidance from Cheboygan County Emergency Management, the Sheriff’s Office, and state officials.*Updated with the latest reports as of April 15, 2026. For the most current information, visit official Michigan government and local news sources.*