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Michigan DNR Ice safety alert: Water levels behind Edenville Dam dropping next week

Category: article

 Feb 18th, 2021 by Keith Worrall 

Modified Feb 18th, 2021 at 10:56 PM

Water levels behind Edenville Dam dropping next week; public warned to stay off ice

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy on Wednesday issued a news release about work to begin lowering the Edenville Dam Tobacco River spillway, bringing down water levels behind the structure. Because this area around Gladwin and Midland counties is popular for many outdoor recreation pursuits – including ice fishing – we are sharing this information with our DNR subscribers.

According to the release:

  • As the water level drops and its velocity increases, the ice will become destabilized or could break apart, creating dangerous conditions. Receding water is also expected to expose unstable bottomlands, steep channel slopes and previously unseen debris, tree stumps or other hazards.
  • The public is warned to stay off the ice and the newly exposed bottomlands until further notice.
  • The area of unsafe ice conditions is between Dale Road and the remaining portion of the dam west of M-30. Caution also should be taken on the Tittabawassee River above the breached section of the dam – where the drawdown could lead to shifting and unstable ice – and below the dam on the Tobacco River.

The full EGLE news release gets into more detail about the reasons for the work and includes a map outlining the area for caution, an interactive story map, a batch of frequently asked questions and answers, and links to a webinar that explains the emergency work.

As a general rule of outdoor winter recreation, the Department of Natural Resources encourages everyone to put safety first, get familiar with local conditions and always dress for the weather.

EGLE release ►

Get the full background about the dam, waterway and planned work.
Ice safety ►

Ice time requires vigilance and caution. See our tips to stay safe!
Things to do ►

Beyond fishing, there are a variety of ways to enjoy Michigan’s outdoors.

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