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Cheboygan Dam Update - April 9, 2026

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DNR News

April 9, 2026
Contact: John Pepin, 906-226-1352

DNR begins precautionary sandbagging today at Cheboygan Lock

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.

The public is urged to sign up for local alerts to stay informed on the latest news and information. Find out more about flooding preparedness and safety.

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 forecast 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.

Note to editors: Accompanying photos and video are available for download and media use.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to Michigan.gov/DNR.

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DNR News

April 8, 2026
Contact: John Pepin, 906-250-7260

Water levels rise slightly overnight at Cheboygan Dam

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With Michigan Department of Natural Resources officials continuing to monitor spring runoff on the Cheboygan River today, the water level at the Cheboygan Dam and Lock Complex rose slightly overnight.

The DNR has been checking water levels at Mullett Lake, along the Cheboygan River and at the dam over several days. The water level at the dam today measured 21 inches below the top of the dam, which represents a half-inch increase since Tuesday. 

“We are watching the water level 24 hours a day, with the dam gates fully open,” said Rich Hill, DNR Gaylord District supervisor. “We are working closely with local, state and federal officials to keep abreast of any changing conditions.”

Spring runoff, a significant recent snowstorm and rains have all contributed to the current highwater conditions. Weather forecasted for the area includes rain or snow for today with sunnier skies expected Thursday.

A comprehensive plan is in place to help keep the public safe should water levels at the dam and lock increase significantly. People in the region are urged to sign-up for local alerts to keep up with the latest news and information.

If the water level reaches 12 inches before topping the dam, the county’s Emergency Action Plan will be activated, which initiates additional actions to notify local emergency, fire and police departments.

The 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.

The outflow from Mullett Lake and the Black River feed the Cheboygan River behind the Cheboygan Dam, before the river flows through the town of Cheboygan and north to its mouth at Lake Huron.

The Cheboygan 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.

The watershed covers approximately 1,455 square miles.

To sign-up for local alerts, visit https://www.michigan.gov/miready/local-alerts 

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to Michigan.gov/DNR.