More pumps added to divert water around Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex

Efforts continue to move water, monitor river volume and protect resources

With up to 2 inches of rain in the weather forecast over the coming days for the watershed feeding the Cheboygan Lock and Dam, more pumps have been added to divert water around the landmark structure in downtown Cheboygan.

By this afternoon, water had risen to within 15 inches of the top of the dam.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources crews have activated five pumps to divert water around the dam. The team is working to procure additional pumps, said Richard Hill, Gaylord District supervisor for the DNR’s Parks and Recreation Division, which manages the dam.

“All of the dam gates on the DNR-managed portion of the dam are fully open to handle this flow. The pumps add to the capacity,” Hill said. “We are putting through as much water as we can.”

Hill said DNR staffers are also working closely with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which regulates the dam, to look at options for re-opening a hydroelectric generation station at the dam site to move additional water.

“Our objectives for this incident are to work closely with FERC and the operators and owners of the hydro building to look at options,” Hill said. “Some water is going through the bypass valves on that part of the dam.”

Making the electrical generation station operational would add water flow capacity.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency and activated the State Emergency Operations Center April 10 as rising waters from spring rains and melting snow from a record March snowfall threaten to overwhelm the dam.

Two thousand sandbags are in place to direct water flow with the possibility of adding more. A timber debris screen in front of the dam’s Gate 6 was removed to increase water flow.

As rain is expected to continue, Cheboygan County emergency managers are encouraging residents to sign up for alerts through Be Alert or to call 211 for information about preparedness and potential evacuation.

Officials are promoting the “Ready, Set, Go” safety approach which includes these steps:

• Ready: When water is 12 inches below the top of the dam with levels rising 3 inches a day or more. Plan and/or pack in the event an evacuation becomes necessary.
• Set: When water reaches 6 inches below the top of the dam, with water levels rising at a rate of 3 inches per day or levels rising 3 inches per day and predicted to top the dam within 48 hours. Prepare by packing and preparing your family, pets and vehicle for potential departure.
• Go: When water levels are 1 inch below the top of the dam with a high probability of topping it, with the potential for failure occurring. Follow evacuation orders; roadblocks may be installed around the perimeters.

Check out photos and video from the Cheboygan Dam and Lock available for the public and media use.