Imminent threat: Rising water levels could cause collapse of Cheboygan Dam in Michigan

CHEBOYGAN, Mich. – Residents in Cheboygan, Michigan, have been put on notice that the local dam could break at any time.

Recently, the region has experienced significant snow and rain, which have contributed to rising water levels at the Cheboygan Dam and led to the imminent collapse of the structure any day now.

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Unfortunately, the wet weather shows no signs of slowing down with more rain expected through this week.

To combat the overflowing dam, city officials strategically placed sandbags and water pumps on Sunday to divert the water around the structure in downtown Cheboygan.

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According to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), 2,000 sandbags are in place to help direct water flow as it breaks through.

Despite recent efforts, the dam continues to overflow, as the governor of Michigan, Gretchen Wiltmer, declared a state of emergency for Cheboygan County due to rising waters and the threat to the dam complex on the river.

This declaration will assist local, state and federal officials in protecting people and property in the area.

Department of Natural Resources (DNR) crews continue to work around the clock, activating at least five water pumps, with teams working to procure additional ones, according to Richard Hill, the Gaylord District supervisor for the DNR’s parks and recreation division.

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"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," Hill said. "We are putting through as much water as we can."

As of Sunday afternoon, the water levels had risen by 15 inches below the top of the dam.

The state Department of Transportation has closed the US-23 bascule bridge in Cheboygan near the dam by raising its deck to the open position. The Department of Natural Resources said the foundation of the bridge, built in 1940, is susceptible to erosion during flooding.

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Additional rain is expected in the area over the next several days. The Cheboygan River helps drain the watershed in the area into Lake Huron.