Forecasters predict continued increase in Cheboygan River flow

Water level rose 3 inches overnight

National Weather Service forecasters said today that warmer temperatures expected this weekend, with rain forecast into the middle of next week, is expected to result in increased water flows at the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex.

This morning, the water level had risen 3 inches to 18 inches below the top of the dam, alerting state and local officials to make additional preparations for the possibility of flooding:

• Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency and virtually activated the State Emergency Operations Center.
• Daily drone flights were initiated to help assess conditions along the river and upstream lakes.
• Michigan Department of Natural Resources activated an on-site incident management team to help coordinate logistics, planning, communications, public information, safety and communications activities.
• Additional officials were notified of the developing situation at the dam and lock complex.
• Certain access points to the river and associated lakes were being closed or restricted.
• Officials were reviewing downstream inundation maps and assessing places of impact from potential flooding.

To prepare for potential flooding:

• Visit MI Ready for tips on flooding events.
• Sign up for your community’s warning system. Visit the Local Alerts page to sign up for alerts in your area if available. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and NOAA Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
• Make a plan for your household, including your pets, so that you and your family know what to do, where to go and what you will need to protect yourselves from flooding.
• Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans and flash flood response.
• Gather supplies, including nonperishable foods, cleaning supplies and water for several days, in case you must leave immediately or if services are cut off in your area.
• Keep important documents in a waterproof container and create password-protected digital copies.
• Move valuables to higher levels.
• Declutter drains and gutters.

Links to previous news releases on this issue:

April 7 – DNR watching water levels at the Cheboygan Dam 

April 8 – Water levels rise slightly overnight at Cheboygan Dam

April 9 – DNR begins precautionary sandbagging today at Cheboygan Lock

Note to editors: Accompanying photos and video are available for download and media use.