CHEBOYGAN, Mich. (WXYZ) — Officials with the State of Michigan are continuing to monitor the fluctuating water levels around the Cheboygan Dam and Lock complex in Northern Michigan.
You can see a live view of the Cheboygan Dam here
Watch Faraz Javed's Friday report from the area as waters started to fall:
As the week has continued, water levels continued to rise, and officials have prompted the "Ready, Set, Go," safety approach. That means:
- 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.
Last Friday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer activated the Michigan State Emergency Operations Center and later declared a state of emergency over the rising water levels.
Watch Thursday afternoon's news conference from Cheboygan:
"Record snowfall last month and recent rain have elevated water levels, which could lead to possible flooding for local communities. State officials have been closely monitoring water levels all week, and there's a comprehensive plan in place to protect Michiganders and property. Activating the SEOC will help support local communities with the resources they need to keep people safe," Whitmer said in a statement last week.
State and county officials are now working around the clock to prevent a catastrophic dam failure and loss of infrastructure.
"This is the highest water level this dam has ever seen," said Laurie Abel with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. "We’re doing everything that we can to make sure that we can get out as much water as possible. We are putting in all efforts that we can. If there’s an option, we’re using it."
Abel says Tuesday several pumps were installed to pull water out of the dam and into the spillway. Abel says additional pumps are being ordered and will be installed as soon as possible, some in new places. Crews also removed six gates that were previously only open to allow more water to flow out.
Several homeowners in the cautionary zone are now considering evacuation. The DNR says there will be shelters available for anyone who could be displaced should water topple to dam.
"Just incredibly nerve-wracking, trying to figure out what to do, where to go. Do I pack a bag now? Do I get ready? Where do I take my pets," said Dominick Miller who lives a few blocks from the river. "I’ve never been a part of something like this. I have two small kids. My house is about 5 blocks from the Cheboygan River."
Miller says he's seen water in his yard in recent days and standing water over some roads.
"I’m obviously concerned with my house being nearby and my basement is full of stuff and I don’t want to see water get down there. Kind of gotta take it as it comes," said Miller.
Below are the latest updates on the dam complex. We'll continue to update this article as we learn more information.
Monday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m.
The state officials say that as of the latest recording, which occurred at 4:00 p.m., there has been no change in the water level, and it remains 7.92 inches below the top of the dam.
Monday, April 20 at 12 p.m.
The newest update from state officials showed the water levels dropped another .24 inches and are now 7.92 inches below the top of the dam. That's as of 12 p.m. on Monday, April 20.
Sunday, April 19 at 6 p.m.
The latest update from state officials showed the water levels were 7.56 inches from the top – another .12 inches lower than the last measurement at 2 p.m.
Sunday, April 19 at 2 p.m.
Officials provided another update, saying the water is 7.44 inches from the top of the dam, which is .12 inches lower than the last measurement at 8:30 a.m.
State officials also said that work continues Sunday at the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex and three dams on the Black River – Alverno, Kleber and Tower – to keep water flowing and prevent flooding.
Workers removed a jam of wood and other river-borne debris from the Tower Dam on the Black River, which feeds into the Cheboygan Dam.
They were also able to increase water flow through the Kleber Dam, and clean debris gates at the Alverno Dam, which is immediately upstream from the Cheboygan Dam.
“Besides all of these activities, we have people out in boats removing debris from the river so that dam gates stay clear,” said Mike Janisse, co-leader of the Incident Management Team. “We are monitoring water levels throughout the day.”
Sunday, April 19 at 8:30 a.m.
Water levels continued to drop at the dam and lock complex, according to state officials.
They're now at 7.32 inches below the top, which is a drop of .36 inches from the last check. The area is still in the "be alert" phase.
Saturday, April 18
The Cheboygan County Sheriff's Office issued a notice to West Black Lake residents this morning that flooding has caused a significant road washout in the area of South Black River Road near Red Bridge Road.
Officials will be closing down Cement Bridge at Five Mile Point Road.
Read the full notice below:
Friday, April 17 at 9:14 p.m.
After falling all day, the latest readings at the Cheboygan dam shows water levels rising again. At 7 p.m., the water level stood at 6.96 inches below the top of the dam, a 0.36-inch increase since the previous reading.
Friday, April 17 at 4:14 p.m.
The state is reporting another drop in water level. In the report taken at 3:30 p.m., the water level dropped another 0.24 inches, measuring 7.32 inches below the top of the Cheyboygan dam.
Friday, April 17 at 3:42 p.m.
Water levels continue to plunge. The state of Michigan released their latest reading at 2:30 p.m., showing the water was at 7.08 inches below the top at that point, representing a further drop of .6 inches in the two hours since the previous report.
Friday, April 17 at 2:10 p.m.
The water levels have declined significantly since the hydraulic dam came back online. As of 12:45 p.m., the state reports a 1.32-inch drop in level, leaving the water at 6.48 inches below the top of the dam. However, the status does currently remain in the level 2 "Be Alert" range.
Friday, April 17 at 12:37 p.m.
State officials said a previously shuttered hydraulic dam is back online after days of work, water levels are dropping. There hasn't been an official update on the water levels on the state's website.
On Thursday, the state said that Consumers Energy was engaged and awaiting testing of the hydroelectric facility, as well as a big cooperative effort to get a privately-owned hydroelectric power plant running.
Friday, April 17 at 8:45 a.m.
Water levels dropped slightly overnight and are now 5.16 inches below the top of the Cheboygan Dam, according to state officials.
That's a decrease of .24 inches.
Friday, April 17 at 6:15 a.m.
Watch the latest report from Faraz Javed at the dam in the video below
We're expected to get an update on the latest water levels around 9:30 a.m.
7 News Detroit reporter Faraz Javed continued to report from Cheboygan on Thursday. Watch his reports below:
Thursday, April 16 at 6:11 p.m.
The water level has risen again, now dropping below 5 inches from overtopping the dam. The level stands at 4.92 inches from the top as of 5:30 p.m., an increase of .12 inches in just over an hour.
Thursday, April 16 at 5:08 p.m.
According to an update posted on the official state website tracking the damn, water levels have again risen. The update, posted at 4:15 p.m., says the water is now 5.04 inches below the top, having risen .24 inches since this morning.
Thursday, April 16 at 12:30 p.m.
State officials provided an update at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, saying that water levels are 5.28 inches from the top of the Cheboygan Dam. That's an increase of .48 inches from the previous measurement at 9 a.m. on Thursday.
Thursday, April 16 at 10:20 a.m.
The Cheboygan County Sheriff's Office said the dam area and north of the dam is moving to the level 2 "Set stage after water levels increased to 5.76 inches from the top overnight.
"Level 2 indicates a high probability of a need to evacuate. You should prepare now by packing necessary items and preparing your family, pets, and vehicle for potential departure. Remember the 6 P’s: plan, personal items, prescriptions, photographs, pets and papers," the sheriff's office said.
Thursday, April 16 at 9 a.m.
State officials provided an update at 9 a.m. on Thursday, saying that water levels are 5.76 inches from the top of the Cheboygan Dam. That's an increase of .72 inches from the previous measurement at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
The state also created a statewide flooding dashboard that features a variety of flooding across Northern Michigan. You can see it here.
Thursday, April 16 at 6 a.m.
You can watch the latest report from 7 News Detroit Reporter Faraz Javed, who is in Cheboygan, in the video below.
On Wednesday, 7 News Detroit reporter Faraz Javed journeyed to Cheboygan. You can watch his video reports below:
Wednesday, April 15 at 5:30 p.m.
The last update on Wednesday showed that water levels were 6.48 inches from the top, an increase of .36 inches from the previous measurement.
Wednesday, April 15 at 12 p.m.
The latest measurements at the Cheboygan Dam showed water levels were 6.72 inches below the top, a decrease of .12 inches from the last measurement taken at 9 a.m.
Wednesday, April 15 at 10:16 a.m.
The Cheboygan County Sheriff's Office sent an urgent message to Black Lake area residents, encouraging them to begin preparing for the rise in water levels.
"Please take time now to secure any valuables, outdoor items, or debris that could be damaged or carried away by increasing water," the post reads. " There are many residents currently experiencing flooding inside their homes. If you feel water levels are rising and deem it to be unsafe, you should self-evacuate and contact your insurance company. We have received information indicating that there may be a significant influx of water expected to enter Black Lake within the next 24–48 hours."
Wednesday, April 15 at 9 a.m.
The State of Michigan provided a new update on water levels, saying they are 6.6 inches below the top of the Cheboygan Dam, which is nearly to the "Set" level.
The state said Set is "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."
The water levels are up 1.44 inches from the last announcement at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Tuesday, April 14 at 7 p.m.
Officials with the Michigan DNR held an informational meeting on Tuesday night about the update on the Cheboygan Dam and Lock complex.
You can watch the meeting in the video below.
Tuesday, April 14 at 5:30 p.m.
Officials said that water levels decreased slightly as of 5:30 p.m. to 8.04 inches below the top of the dam.
Tuesday, April 14 at 4:45 p.m.
The county has issued an evacuation notice for low areas near the Little Black River due to a levee breach. The county says it's unrelated to activities at the Cheboygan Dam.
The impacted areas: US-23 shoreline from approximately Pries Landing south to the Cheboygan River, down to Lincoln St., back along Court St., to Levering Rd., and Inverness Trail, up to the US-23 Shoreline.
Tuesday, April 14 at 3:30 p.m.
The Michigan DNR said Tuesday afternoon that workers placed giant-sized sandbags and are working to put two 24-inch pumps in place to move water around the dam.
“We’re working from all different angles of this,” said Mike Janisse, leader of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Incident Management Team that is deployed to Cheboygan. “We have many cooperators and everyone is putting forth a strong effort.”
Tuesday, April 14 at 2:00 p.m.
The State of Michigan has released an update saying the water level has continued to rise and now sits 7.08 inches below the top, a more than 1/2 an inch increase from this morning.
Tuesday, April 14 at 8:30 a.m.
As of the latest water level update at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, water levels at the Cheboygan Dam and Lock complex are now 7.68 inches below the top, an increase of 6.07 inches from the day before. Water levels are measured and updated each morning, but are monitored continuously, and the public will be notified of any changes.
Crews are continuing to work to increase water flow at the site, but more rain is expected Up North this afternoon and evening.
Monday, April 13 at 1:13 p.m.
The Cheboygan County Sheriff's Office said water levels remain unpredictable with the map below showing current projected areas of potential flooding.
- Purple Zone: This is an active work zone and is closed to the public. Please stay out of this area.
- Cautionary Zone: This is the target area for potential flooding. Please avoid this area if possible. Community members within this area should be prepared with a go bag and secure valuables. The Cautionary Zone will be updated as the situation evolves.
"These are predictions. Residents outside the green zone should still use caution and monitor the Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page for updates," the sheriff's office said.
Monday, April 13 - 7 a.m.
After the alert from the Cheboygan County Sheriff's Office, the latest information from the State of Michigan showed that water levels were 13.75 inches from the top of the dam. Water levels are continuously monitored.
Monday, April 13 - 5:26 a.m.
The Cheboygan County Sheriff's Office said water levels have reached the "READY" mark, meaning it is 12 inches below the top of the dam and rising 3 inches or more per day.
What to do now for those between the Cheboygan DNR Dam and Lake Huron.
- Prepare a go-bag (medications, important documents, etc.) and review your family plan.
- Secure outdoor items and move valuables to higher levels.
- Avoid riverbanks and low-lying areas.
- Monitor official updates and be ready to act.
Sunday, April 12 - 7 p.m.
Officials said the US-23 bascule bridge in Cheboygan will be raised on Monday to protect against potential damage from debris flowing down the Cheboygan River and to keep vehicle occupants and pedestrians safe.
During the closure, US-23 traffic will be detoured south to the Lincoln Avenue Bridge, which is upstream from the dam complex. There is no timeline for reopening the US-23 bascule bridge, which will need to be inspected before it can be opened. An operator is also on site ready to open the bridge if an emergency is needed.
Sunday, April 12 - 1:19 p.m.
The State of Michigan said that DNR crews have activated five pumps to divert water around the Cheboygan Dam and Lock complex. The team is also working to procure additional pumps.
“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,” Richard Hill, the Gaylord District supervisor for the DNR’s Parks and Recreation Division, said in a statement. “We are putting through as much water as we can.”
The state is also working with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which regulates the dam, to look at options to reopen a hydroelectric generation station at the dam site to move more water.
Saturday, April 11 - 6:37 p.m.
Work crews placed more sandbags around the Cheboygan Lock and Dam on Saturday.
“The DNR is actively engaged with our partners to prevent the failure of the dam to the fullest extent possible,” said Mike Janisse, leader of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Incident Management Team.
Friday, April 10 - 5:55 p.m.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Cheboygan County due to the rising water levels. That authorizes the use of all available state resources to assist local response and recovery operations.
Earlier in the day, she also activated the state's emergency operations center.
