WATCH: Chilling Video Shows Michigan Dam as Officials Warn of Possible Failure: 'Risk Remains the Highest Concern'

A chilling video is making the rounds from Northern Michigan, and it shows exactly why officials are sounding the alarm.

The footage shows the Cheboygan Dam flowing wide open, water surging through as levels continue to rise Monday following additional rainfall in the area. A state of emergency remains in effect for Cheboygan County, and local officials say dam failure is their highest concern.

Dam Failure is the Highest Concern

"The Cheboygan dam continues to flow wide open, and water levels are reportedly starting to rise once again today as more rain has impacted and will continue to impact the area," officials said Michigan Storm Chasers in the caption on the video they shared on X.

The Cheboygan dam continues to flow wide open, and water levels are reportedly starting to rise once again today as more rain has impacted and will continue to impact the area. A state of emergency remains in effect for Cheboygan, and the risk of a dam failure remains the highest… pic.twitter.com/EqGtRRV5TV

— Michigan Storm Chasers (@MiStormChasers) April 12, 2026

"A state of emergency remains in effect for Cheboygan, and the risk of a dam failure remains the highest concern from local officials."

What is Happening at the Cheboygan Dam?

The State Emergency Operations Center was activated and a state of emergency declared Friday after record snowfall and recent rainfall elevated water levels at the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex to dangerous levels. Crews have been working around the clock since then. Overnight Monday, a large crane was brought in to remove gates at the dam in an effort to increase water flow and manage the rising levels.

The Cheboygan County Sheriff's Office confirmed Monday morning that water levels have reached the "READY" mark — the threshold at which residents are urged to begin preparing for a possible evacuation order.

Residents Are Being Told to Prepare for Evacuation

Those living between the Cheboygan Dam and Lake Huron are being directed to take immediate precautionary steps. Officials are urging residents to prepare a go-bag with medications and important documents, review their family emergency plan, secure outdoor items, move valuables to higher levels and avoid riverbanks and low-lying areas.

If an evacuation order is issued, residents will receive an IPAWS emergency alert directly to their phones.

The Michigan Department of Transportation has raised the US-23 bascule bridge over the Cheboygan River and closed it to road traffic. Officials said debris trapped beneath the structure could alter water flow and cause erosion — and that vehicle occupants and pedestrians on the bridge could be at risk if the dam complex were to fail. Traffic is being detoured south.

Residents can monitor updates from the Cheboygan County Sheriff's Office and City of Cheboygan Facebook pages.