Close calls at Michigan’s dams are a climate warning to America

Northern Michigan’s April 2026 floods pushed rivers to record levels, stressing aging dams to near-failure points. In Cheboygan, water came within 5 inches of overflowing the Cheboygan Dam, while Bellaire deployed 1,000 sandbags to reinforce a century-old structure. The incidents underscore the dangers posed by the U.S.’s 92,000 dams, 18% of which are classified as high-hazard—meaning their collapse could threaten lives. The average U.S. dam is 64 years old, built for rainfall patterns no longer reflective of today’s climate. Over half of Michigan’s dams exceed their 50-year design life, and experts like Richard Rood, a University of Michigan professor emeritus, warn these close calls are not anomalies but a preview of worsening risks. The Association of State Dam Safety Officials estimates repairing all high-hazard dams nationwide would cost $165.2 billion, with Michigan’s share at $1 billion. Facing such costs, some communities are opting for dam removal instead of upgrades. In Traverse City, the Union Street Dam was removed in 2024 as part of a river restoration project, reducing flooding risks during the recent near-record surge. Removal can also restore ecosystems, though it often faces opposition from property owners dependent on reservoirs for economic or recreational purposes. Local leaders and safety advocates now urge stronger regulations and faster action. Bob Stuber, executive director of the Michigan Hydro Relicensing Commission, called the flooding a ‘wake-up call,’ arguing that aging dams should be prioritized for removal where feasible. ‘It’s not going to get better,’ he said. ‘It’s just going to get worse.’ As floodwaters recede, the debate over dam safety intensifies, with climate change driving the urgency. Experts stress that current infrastructure is ill-equipped for future storms, demanding immediate investment in either upgrades or strategic removals to mitigate risks.