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April 11, 2025
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources began an emergency reduction of water levels at Trout Lake Dam in Gladwin County on April 10 to reduce risk of structural failure and an uncontrolled release of water from the impoundment.
A DNR media release on Jan. 27 announced a recommendation to the department to remove the dam, as well as the DNR’s intent to initiate drawdown in 2025. The drawdown timeline has advanced to emergency status after spring runoff fully recharged the impoundment. The added pressure against the stop logs increased the likelihood for failure, particularly if a significant precipitation event occurs.
The 25-acre impoundment is surrounded by state-managed land, and the dam is maintained by the DNR Fisheries Division. Recreational users of the impoundment should anticipate noticeable changes during the drawdown period. The initiation of emergency water level reductions has been coordinated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.
The emergency reduction will lower water levels to provide access to failing stop logs. In summer, additional reductions to the creek level may be required to facilitate a thorough inspection of structural integrity.
The drawdown will occur gradually, lowering water levels by no more than 12 inches of lake level per week, and fisheries staff will be addressing impacts to aquatic life.
The pace of lowering lake levels is intended to minimize ecological impacts, reduce sediment transport and preserve the integrity of the entire structure during the operation. Elevated flows through the outlet pipe during this time should be expected and are unavoidable.
Until all alternatives have been identified and evaluated following inspection, a firm timeline cannot be established for the fate of the structure and the impoundment.
For more information on the management of DNR-owned dams, visit Michigan.gov/DNRDams.
An accompanying photo is available below for download. Caption information follows.
Trout Lake Dam: The Michigan Department of Natural Resources began an emergency reduction of water levels at Trout Lake Dam in Gladwin County on April 10 to reduce risk of structural failure and an uncontrolled release of water from the impoundment.
