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Dams are nearing capacity as heavy rain falls on northern Michigan

Water rushing through the spillway at the Bellaire Dam on Monday, April 13, 2026. (Photo: Austin Rowlader/IPR News)
Water rushing through the spillway at the Bellaire Dam on Monday, April 13, 2026. (Photo: Austin Rowlader/IPR News)

EDITOR'S NOTE: The audio on this podcast was current as of 8:42 a.m. Monday, April 13. Because of the changing nature of this story, please check with local emergency officials for current conditions.

The rising water levels at the Cheboygan Dam have now reached what’s called the “READY” mark. That means people downstream should make themselves ready for an evacuation.

As of Monday morning, people downstream of the Cheboygan Dam were asked to prepare a go-bag with medications and important documents, secure outdoor items and move valuables in your house to higher levels.

And in Antrim County, IPR's Austin Rowlader reports that the water at the Bellaire dam was 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 around northern Michigan, concern is growing among residents and officials.


Producer: Austin Rowlader
Editing: Steve Junker
Music: Blue Dot Sessions

Austin is a freelance reporter and producer based in Bellaire.
Ed Ronco is IPR's news director and the local host of "Morning Edition."