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Cheboygan Today
By the People, for the People
Cheboygan Dam in Michigan Faces Imminent Collapse Risk
Heavy rains and rising water levels threaten to overwhelm the aging dam structure
Apr. 14, 2026 at 6:55pm
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As rising waters threaten to overwhelm the Cheboygan Dam, the community braces for the potential collapse of a critical piece of infrastructure.Cheboygan TodayResidents in Cheboygan, Michigan have been warned that the local dam could collapse at any time due to heavy snowfall and rainfall that have contributed to rapidly rising water levels. City officials have taken emergency measures like placing sandbags and activating water pumps, but the dam continues to overflow, prompting the governor to declare a state of emergency for the county.
Why it matters
The Cheboygan Dam is a critical piece of infrastructure that helps control water flow and prevent flooding in the area. Its potential failure could lead to devastating flooding and damage to nearby homes, businesses, and transportation routes, putting the entire community at risk.
The details
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has activated five water pumps and is working to procure additional ones to help divert the overflowing water. All of the dam's gates are fully open, but the water levels have still risen 15 inches below the top of the dam. The US-23 bascule bridge near the dam has been closed due to concerns about erosion of its 1940s-era foundation during the flooding.
- On Sunday, city officials placed 2,000 sandbags and activated water pumps to divert water around the dam.
- The governor of Michigan declared a state of emergency for Cheboygan County due to the rising water levels and threat to the dam.
The players
Gretchen Wiltmer
The governor of Michigan who declared a state of emergency for Cheboygan County.
Richard Hill
The Gaylord District supervisor for the DNR's parks and recreation division, overseeing the emergency response efforts at the dam.
Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
The state agency managing the Cheboygan Dam and coordinating the emergency response, including activating water pumps and opening the dam's gates.
What they’re saying
“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. We are putting through as much water as we can.”
— Richard Hill, Gaylord District supervisor, DNR Parks and Recreation Division
What’s next
The state Department of Transportation has closed the US-23 bascule bridge near the dam, and officials are closely monitoring the situation as additional rain is expected in the coming days.
The takeaway
The imminent threat of the Cheboygan Dam's collapse highlights the critical need for infrastructure investment and proactive maintenance to ensure the safety of communities in the face of extreme weather events driven by climate change.
