Authorities Monitor Rising Waters on Cheboygan River

State of emergency declared as snowmelt and rain push river levels near dam crest

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:20pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of blue, grey, and white, depicting a frozen river bank with the Cheboygan Dam partially obscured by heavy fog, conveying the overwhelming power and scale of the natural environment.As spring snowmelt and heavy rains push the Cheboygan River to dangerously high levels, local officials work to safeguard nearby communities from potential flooding.Cheboygan Today

State and local officials in Michigan's Northern Lower Peninsula are closely monitoring rising water levels at the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex on the Cheboygan River. Governor Gretchen Whitmer has activated the State Emergency Operations Center, and residents near the dam have been urged to sign up for local alerts as the situation develops. Authorities have placed sandbags and are considering ways to increase outflow from the dam as the river level approaches 12 inches below the crest.

Why it matters

The Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex is a critical piece of infrastructure that helps control water levels and flow in the region. With snowmelt and recent heavy rains, officials are concerned about the potential for flooding and are taking proactive measures to protect public safety and property.

The details

Michigan's Department of Natural Resources crews have placed 1,500 sandbags along the Cheboygan lock, and authorities have closed the Cheboygan Dam Boating Access and the Major City Park's boat launch near the dam. State and federal officials are also exploring options to increase outflow from the dam, including firing a previously damaged hydroelectric generator.

  • On Friday morning, the State Emergency Operations Center began its operations.
  • By that time, the Cheboygan River had risen to 18 inches below the top of the Cheboygan Dam.
  • If the water level reaches 12 inches below the crest of the dam, additional safety measures will go into place.

The players

Gretchen Whitmer

The governor of Michigan who ordered the State Emergency Operations Center to begin its operations.

John Pepin

A spokesperson with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources who advised the public to keep safely back from places where rivers and creeks are running high and fast during spring runoff.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

The state agency that has crews in the area placing sandbags and considering ways to increase outflow from the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex.

Cheboygan County Emergency Management

The local agency that reported a large piece of ice broke a safety cable upstream of the dam.

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What they’re saying

“In general, the public is advised to keep safely back from places where rivers and creeks are running high and fast during spring runoff.”

— John Pepin, Spokesperson, Michigan Department of Natural Resources

What’s next

If the water level reaches 12 inches below the crest of the dam, additional safety measures will go into place.

The takeaway

The rising waters on the Cheboygan River highlight the importance of proactive flood prevention measures and the need for close coordination between state and local authorities to protect public safety and critical infrastructure during extreme weather events.