Rising Water Levels Prompt Safety Concerns Near Cheboygan Dam

Emergency crews monitor fluctuating conditions and prepare for potential evacuations in low-lying areas.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:04pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a frozen lake surrounded by towering mountains, conveying the overwhelming scale and power of the natural environment.The tranquil beauty of the Cheboygan region belies the potential danger posed by rising water levels near the local dam, as emergency crews work to monitor and manage the situation.Cheboygan Today

Rising water levels near the Cheboygan Dam in Cheboygan County, Michigan, have prompted emergency management and law enforcement officials to actively monitor the situation, with preparations underway for potential evacuations in low-lying areas. The increased water flow through the dam has elevated safety concerns for nearby residents and travelers, leading to a coordinated effort among state, federal, and local agencies.

Why it matters

The Cheboygan Dam is a critical piece of infrastructure that controls water flow in the region. Fluctuating water levels due to recent rainfall and snowmelt have raised concerns about the dam's ability to handle the increased flow, potentially putting nearby communities at risk of flooding or other hazards.

The details

Emergency management and law enforcement officials are closely monitoring the water levels near the Cheboygan Dam, which have been changing due to recent rainfall and snowmelt. Preparations are underway for potential impacts, including possible evacuations in low-lying areas if conditions worsen. Cheboygan County Emergency Management Director Jeremy Runstrom confirmed that a worst-case scenario involves evacuations, and a map of the affected areas will be shared on social media.

  • On April 13, 2026, rising water levels near the Cheboygan Dam prompted emergency response efforts.
  • Conditions have been fluctuating based on recent rainfall and snowmelt.

The players

Jeremy Runstrom

The Cheboygan County Emergency Management Director, who is overseeing the response efforts and preparations for potential evacuations.

Todd Ross

The Cheboygan County Sheriff, who is urging residents to rely on verified information from official sources and not social media rumors.

Ashley Miller

The Public Information Officer for the Michigan State Police, who is confirming the joint effort among various agencies to coordinate the response.

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What they’re saying

“The conditions absolutely have changed. They're fluctuating based on the recent rainfall and the current melt off from our last snowstorm.”

— Jeremy Runstrom, Cheboygan County Emergency Management Director

“The worst-case scenario is, obviously, having to evacuate people. That area has been identified and a map will be pushed out on the social media sites this afternoon so that everybody is aware of those sites.”

— Jeremy Runstrom, Cheboygan County Emergency Management Director

“It's important to pay attention to the official releases from the state emergency Operations Center or from our local emergency operations center. There's a lot of false messaging going around social media right now that's getting people very worried, very anxious, very concerned, and most of it is unfounded.”

— Todd Ross, Cheboygan County Sheriff

What’s next

Emergency crews will continue to monitor water levels closely, as conditions are expected to shift depending on weather. Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay informed and prepared for potential evacuations if the situation worsens.

The takeaway

The rising water levels near the Cheboygan Dam highlight the importance of proactive emergency management and coordination among local, state, and federal agencies to ensure public safety in the face of natural disasters. Residents are urged to rely on official sources of information and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.