Overview
- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer activated the State Emergency Operations Center Friday and declared a Cheboygan County emergency to coordinate the flood response.
- The Cheboygan River stands about 18 inches below the dam crest, and officials set an escalation point at 12 inches for added safety measures.
- DNR crews placed 1,500 sandbags at the lock, and a large ice piece snapped an upstream safety cable, leading to closures at the dam access and Major City Park’s boat launch.
- State and federal teams are evaluating ways to increase outflow through the complex, including a possible restart of a previously damaged hydroelectric generator.
- Forecasters expect warmer weather and more rain to speed melt from March’s heavy snow, so residents near the river are urged to sign up for alerts and prepare for possible restrictions.