April 20, 2026
No rain is immediately forecast, the turbines at Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex hydroelectric powerhouse continue to fully function and move water, and operations at Tower and Kleber dams have been pulled back as the situation stabilizes at those locations upstream from the Cheboygan Dam.
With these promising developments, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds the public that the situation remains fluid and work continues at critical locations.
“The monumental and successful efforts by DNR staff and cooperators will continue,” said Richard Hill, co-leader of the DNR Incident Management Team. “It’s important to keep in mind there are nearby lakes with high water levels and that water will need somewhere to go.” The Cheboygan River drains into Lake Huron.
Work continues to keep water flowing through Cheboygan Dam. Work also continues at the Alverno Dam, immediately upstream from the Cheboygan Dam. Tower and Kleber dams, further upstream, are functioning normally and being operated by their owners. The DNR is ready to assist at those locations as needed.
The dam operation efforts are like “links on a chain,” Hill said, and when something happens to one link it impacts the others.
Work at Alverno Dam includes monitoring head pond levels and small sinkholes near the dam. The sinkholes are being addressed with bentonite, a clay material often used to seal old wells, to keep them from seeping. Sandbags and super sacks – larger, heavy duty sandbags to guide water flow -- along with additional supplies and staff are onsite as needed.
Work at Cheboygan Dam includes sandbags, super sacks and a huge water-filled tube that serves to block or guide water. There also is an array of pumps and grate cleaning equipment to keep debris from clogging gates and inhibiting waterflow.
The DNR continues debris removal operation up stream at the Forks boating access site to prevent debris from floating downstream and clogging the Cheboygan Dam.
Spring rains and melting snow from a record March snowfall have caused rivers across the watershed to swell.
Cheboygan County emergency management officials are monitoring the situation and using the “Ready, Set, Go” system to advise residents about potential evacuations. You can find updates by following the Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Office Facebook.Page.
The Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) activated the Joint Information Center (JIC) as the source of state agency information dissemination. Find links to and sign up to receive MSP and SEOC news releases and follow Facebook and X or the latest information from the JIC.
