Boating access sites in the area remain closed due to unsafe conditions
By The Michigan State Police
CHEBOYGAN COUNTY, Mich. – Water levels at the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex have receded to 18 inches below the top of the structure, the threshold at which the Emergency Action Plan was initiated, and levels continue to move steadily downward.
While the decrease in water levels is encouraging, boating access sites in Cheboygan and the surrounding area remain closed and no wake rules are in effect because of unsafe conditions.
“Until the gates and safety chain at the dam can be put back in place, this is a very dangerous area to be in,” said Rich Hill, co-leader of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Incident Management Team. “The lakes are still very high, and there are docks and other debris submerged, creating hazardous boating conditions.”
Officials encourage residents and visitors to follow all posted closures and safety advisories as recovery efforts continue. Up-to-date closure information is available at Michigan.gov/DNRClosures by searching “recent flooding.”
The DNR will begin demobilizing the high-volume pumps that have been helping move additional water through the spillway next week. The pumps will be moved only when the DNR is assured that the spillway can keep up with water flow.
“Our focus remains on protecting public safety and property for those upstream and downstream of the dam,” said Hill. “Thanks to a lot of effort by local, state, federal and private partners, things continue to move in a positive direction.”
As conditions stabilize, updates on the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex and information on closures will come from the DNR. Sign up to receive DNR news releases and follow the DNR on Facebook for the latest information.
