Michigan Authorities Warn Residents Near Cheboygan Dam to Prepare for Evacuation Due to Rising Water

Evacuation Preparation Ordered Amid Rising Water Levels Authorities in northern Michigan stated on Monday that residents near the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex should be prepared to evacuate at any time due to rising water levels threatening the structure.

The Cheboygan County Sheriff's Office issued a warning noting that the dam’s water levels had reached the “READY” mark of the state’s emergency safety protocol. This stage requires residents to begin packing essentials and finalizing evacuation plans. The 'READY, SET, GO' system is used by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

The 'READY' status indicates that water has risen to within 12 inches of the top of the dam, with levels increasing by at least 3 inches per day. Department of Natural Resources officials said on Sunday afternoon that levels were within 15 inches of the top of the dam. Law enforcement urged people in the area to pack go-bags with medications and important documents.

Officials warned that roadblocks may be set up to handle traffic if a full evacuation becomes necessary.

State Emergency Declaration and Weather Forecast Gov.

Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for the area on Friday. m. Wednesday, April 15. The forecast calls for scattered thunderstorms Monday night, with a 30 percent to 60 percent chance of showers continuing into Tuesday, and rain expected to last through Thursday.

Dam Structure and Emergency Protocol Details The Cheboygan Dam was built in 1922 and is classified as a high-hazard structure according to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s National Dam Inventory.

A failure of the dam could lead to significant destruction and loss of life. The dam was rated in “fair” condition during a September 2022 inspection, and it is not currently producing power. The facility is privately owned by Hom Paper and remains part of a lock system managed by the Department of Natural Resources to allow boat traffic on the river.

The protocol moves to the “SET” stage when water reaches 6 inches from the top of the dam or is predicted to overflow within 48 hours. At the “SET” stage, residents should be ready to leave immediately. A mandatory “GO” order is issued if the water reaches within 1 inch of the top.

The “GO” order signals a high probability that the dam will fail or be overtopped.

Mitigation Efforts by Crews Crews placed 1,500 sandbags along the lock on Thursday.

Crews added more sandbags on Saturday to serve as a buffer against the rising water. Crews installed more pumps to help move water around the complex, with additional actions taken on Sunday.