Water levels remain stable at lock and dam complex
A Michigan Department of Natural Resources crew today began placing 1,500 sandbags at the Cheboygan Lock as a precautionary safety measure, while officials continue to monitor water levels on the Cheboygan River.
Over the past 24 hours, the river has remained 21 inches below the top of the Cheboygan Dam. If water reaches 12 inches below the crest of the dam, an emergency action plan is in place to safeguard public safety.
"We are asking the public to avoid areas where crews are working at the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex to help keep everybody safe," said DNR Deputy Public Information Officer John Pepin. "In general, the public is advised to keep safely back from places where rivers and creeks are running high and fast during spring runoff."
The emergency action plan is necessary to organize, coordinate and direct actions of the DNR, officials, city/county emergency services and the public to execute prepared plans of operation and to maintain the continuity of government.
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The National Weather Service said an active pattern over the past month has resulted in above-average snowpack and rain (about 5 inches above average liquid equivalent since March 1) across Cheboygan County.
The combination of snowmelt – stemming from a major mid-March winter storm that brought 1 to 2 plus feet of snow to the county – and a steady succession of rain and freezing rain over the past few weeks has driven high flows along the Cheboygan River and associated lakes upstream.
Forecasters said warmer temperatures expected this weekend, with rain forecasted into the middle of next week, will elevate the potential for increased water flows.
State and federal officials today are exploring additional ways to increase outflow from the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex, including the possibility of refiring a previously damaged hydroelectric generator.
The lock and dam complex is comprised of the Cheboygan Lock and Dam, as well as a privately owned hydroelectric facility. The complex is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.