As of April 13, 2026, water levels at the Cheboygan Dam in Cheboygan, Michigan, have reached a critical point, now sitting 12 inches below the top of the dam and rising by approximately 3 inches per day. This situation has led to the implementation of the ‘Ready, Set, Go’ safety approach for residents living in proximity to the dam.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has declared a state of emergency for Cheboygan County, citing record snowfall last month and recent rainfall as contributing factors to the elevated water levels. “Record snowfall last month and recent rain have elevated water levels, which could lead to possible flooding for local communities,” she stated.
In response to the rising water levels, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has activated five pumps to divert water around the Cheboygan Dam. Richard Hill, a representative from the DNR, emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying, “We are putting through as much water as we can.” Additionally, two thousand sandbags have been placed around the Cheboygan Lock and Dam to help direct water flow and mitigate potential flooding.
To further protect against possible damage, the US-23 bascule bridge in Cheboygan will be raised to prevent debris accumulation in the river. Residents downstream of the Cheboygan Dam are being urged to prepare for possible evacuations as the situation develops.
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the area, which will remain in effect until 8 a.m. on April 15, 2026. Mike Janisse from the DNR noted, “The DNR is actively engaged with our partners to prevent the failure of the dam to the fullest extent possible.”
As the water levels continue to rise, residents are advised to secure outdoor items and move valuables to higher ground. The community remains on high alert as authorities monitor the situation closely, and further updates are expected as conditions evolve.
