Water levels at the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex have continued to recede over the last few days. Currently water is just under 14 inches below the top of the dam. Officials continue to monitor conditions closely while coordinated recovery and maintenance efforts remain underway across the region.
Seventeen pumps remain in continuous operation at Cheboygan Dam spillway, collectively moving approximately 135,000 gallons of water per minute. Michigan Department of Natural Resources crews are actively removing debris from areas along the dam to maximize water flow through the system. Debris is also being routinely cleared from a barrier installed near the Forks Boating Access Site.
At Alverno Dam, upstream from the complex, water levels continue to decline, with the head pond now within normal operating ranges. DNR crews have removed sandbags and demobilized support from that location. The Tower and Kleber Dams are operating under normal conditions.
The Bois Blanc Island Ferry, Kristen D, has successfully returned to Cheboygan. In addition, U.S. Energy crews have completed the offloading of their fuel barge, and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) research vessels have returned to their home docks.
Planned maintenance activities are currently in progress at the privately owned Cheboygan Dam hydroelectric facility. The hydroelectric turbine has been temporarily shut down to allow for necessary repairs. During this period, bypass gates remain fully open. While this initially resulted in a modest and expected increase in water levels at the dam, officials confirm that water flow through the dam complex continues to exceed the current river inflow.
Several waterways remain closed to protect public safety. The Cheboygan River above the Cheboygan Dam and the Black River downstream from Alverno Dam will remain closed through May 8. Additional closures are in effect for the Indian River and the Crooked River. Multiple DNR boating access sites are also closed due to flooding.
Officials encourage residents and visitors to adhere to all posted closures and safety advisories as recovery efforts continue. Find up-to-date closures by visiting
Michigan.gov/DNRClosures and searching "recent flooding."
For ongoing updates and information on closures, please refer to official DNR communications.
Cheboygan County emergency management officials are using the “Ready, Set, Go” system to advise residents about potential evacuations. You can find updates by signing up for the 211 information service,
sign-up for local alerts and check 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 as the source of State of Michigan information dissemination related to the current State Emergency Operations Center activation. For more information, visit
Michigan.gov/cheboygandam, sign up to receive MSP and SEOC news releases and follow MSP/EMHSD on
Facebook and
X.
