Northern Michigan Flood and Dam Resource Guide

Interlochen Public Radio | By Austin Rowlader,

Claire Keenan-Kurgan, Ed Ronco, Vivian La

Published April 13, 2026 at 3:13 PM EDT

Dam operator Leslie Meyers monitoring water levels at the Bellaire Dam. (Photo : Austin Rowlader/IPR News)

With waters rising around Northern Michigan, the risk of flooding and dam failure is affecting people across the region. Here is a list of resources you can access to get up to date information.

Bellaire flood map. All residents in the highlighted area are advised to pack for an evacuation. (Photo : Antrim County)

Bellaire Dam

The water at the Bellaire dam is at its highest point in recorded history, which dates back to the 1970s.

The dam was built in 1905. Its weakest point is an earthen berm on the east side of the dam, and with waters rising, concern is growing among residents and officials.

Here are some links to keep you informed:

Read our guide on how to prepare for flooding – from a go-bag, how to document damage or staying safe.

Antrim County Press Releases

Predicted flood map in Cheboygan, courtesy of the Michigan State Police. The area in purple is already closed to the public. The area in green is the target area for potential flooding as of 4:30p.m. on April 13. The public is being urged to avoid the zone in green and community members living within this area should be prepared with a go bag and secure valuables. The map will be updated here as the situation evolves.

Specific inquiries can be directed to Antrim County Public Information Officer, Janet Koch at pio@antrimcountymi.gov or call 231-533-6265 or 231-350-2896.

Cheboygan Dam

As of Thursday morning the rising water levels at the Cheboygan Dam had reached what’s called the “SET” mark, indicating a high chance of evacuation order. Residents should prepare now by packing necessary items and preparing your family, pets, and vehicle for potential departure.

People downstream of the Cheboygan Dam were asked to prepare a go-bag, or emergency kit, with medications and important documents, secure outdoor items and move valuables in their houses to higher levels. (Read more below on what to pack and how to prepare if you haven’t already evacuated.)

Cheboygan County Sheriff's page
Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex updates
Sign up here to receive important messages and emergency alerts from the BeAlert Emergency Notification System & Smart911 For Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Emmet Counties Office of Emergency Management

Benzie County

The county is under a state of emergency as rain and flooding impacts Homestead Dam on the Betsie River and surrounding roads. A flood warning is in effect until Monday. Sandbags and water pumps were deployed to the dam earlier this week. As of Thursday morning, the county road commission said water levels at the dam are decreasing but remain high.

Officials are warning of road closures and sinkholes. They say do not attempt to drive through flooded roadways.

Benzie County Office of Emergency Management social media
Benzie County Road Commission social media for info on road closures
Sign up for emergency alerts from Benzie County that allows emergency officials to notify residents, businesses by telephone, cell phone, text message or email.

Manistee County

A flood warning is in effect until Sunday. County officials are watching the Tippy Dam on the Manistee River. They say there is no imminent threat to the dam or surrounding area, but residents can expect higher than normal water levels and minor flooding along the river for several days.

Manistee County Sheriff’s Office social media
Manistee County Road Commission website for info on road closures
Sign up for emergency alerts from county officials