Iron County warns of higher Michigamme River flows from Way Dam
Way Dam releases were increased to make room for more rain and snowmelt, with Michigamme River levels expected to rise about half an inch and flooding still active near Witch Lake.
Iron County officials increased releases from Way Dam as a precaution, warning that more water will move through the Michigamme River corridor over the next 24 hours as crews try to create room for forecast rain and snowmelt. The county said river levels were expected to rise by about one-half inch, a small change on paper that matters in a corridor already strained by flooding across the Upper Peninsula.
The clearest danger zone is the Michigamme River near Witch Lake, where the water reached 12 feet on Monday, about 3 feet above flood stage. At that level, significant portions of County Road LG between M-95 and the Michigamme Dam were under water, a reminder that even modest additional releases can affect road access, driveways, camps, and riverfront property downstream.
The local emergency alert expired Tuesday at 7:55 p.m., but the broader weather emergency has not eased. National Weather Service Marquette kept flood warnings in effect through the week for rivers in the region, including the Michigamme River, and officials said the situation remains sensitive because of prolonged rainfall and rapid snowmelt that began April 10. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Iron and Marquette counties on April 20, saying local resources had proven insufficient after severe flooding made roads impassable.
Michigan State Police said the State Emergency Operations Center is coordinating the statewide response, while dam safety engineers from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy have been sent to the state’s most critical dams. That response underscores the balancing act now facing Iron County: protect the dam system and reservoir capacity while avoiding new downstream flooding.
Residents, cabin owners, and businesses along the Michigamme River should stay clear of low-water crossings, monitor riverbanks, and move vehicles, trailers, fuel tanks, and other valuables out of low-lying areas if they are still accessible. Flood damage should be reported by calling 211. Officials said 911 should be used only for emergencies.
For Iron County, the next 24 hours are about the same vulnerable stretch already under pressure: the river corridor near Witch Lake, County Road LG, and the downstream reaches influenced by Way Dam and Michigamme Dam. With roads already cut off in parts of the region, even a controlled release can have real consequences for access, property, and emergency response.
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