Six years after Michigan dam disaster, water returns to Smallwood Lake
Smallwood Lake in Michigan has started refilling after work on Smallwood Dam reached substantial completion in July. The refill began on August 4 and is expected to take eight to 10 weeks. Meanwhile, work continues at Secord and Edenville dams, with Secord facing a delay after crews found a problem with a spillway gate.
Six years after a devastating dam disaster caused Smallwood Lake in Michigan to run dry, water is now flowing back into the lake. The lake is expected to be filled completely within eight to ten weeks, contingent upon weather conditions. This refill marks a crucial step in the broader restoration of Michigan's Four Lakes system. Dave Kepler, president of the Four Lakes Task Force, expressed their excitement about reaching this significant milestone in the restoration efforts.
Before the lake began refilling, crews completed the majority of the remaining dam construction tasks. These included installing pipes, electrical systems, and reinforcing critical components of the dam. With these preparations finished, Smallwood Lake has now transitioned to the next phase - refilling.
The progress at Smallwood Dam is part of ongoing dam rebuild projects in the Four Lakes system. Secord Dam, however, experienced a setback when a problem arose during the installation of a water control gate. While the gate passed initial quality checks, two critical parts failed to align properly during installation. Despite this setback, other aspects of Secord Dam's construction are progressing.
Workers are currently constructing a facility to house the dam's control systems, and completion of the main spillway is drawing near. The gate controlling water release from the lower portion of the dam has also been installed. Despite this delay, the Task Force anticipates initiating the lake refill at Secord on April 15, 2027.
Work is also ongoing at Edenville Dam, where crews are preparing for additional construction on the dam's primary water flow control structures. The Tittabawassee River segment of the project has also reached an advanced stage, with crews redirecting the river through a temporary channel to remove existing structures and commence construction on new sections of the dam.
Similarly, work on the Tobacco River side of the project is progressing, with crews focusing on water control structures and continuing concrete and reinforcement work.
The Four Lakes Task Force is providing support to property owners as the lakes return. An educational session, "How to Build Your Natural Shoreline," will be held on August 25 from 6 to 8 pm to educate property owners about natural shoreline creation and preservation. Eligible property owners can also apply for the Task Force's cost-share program, which provides financial assistance for natural shoreline improvements on private property.
A public information session on October 7 will cover dam construction updates, project finances, and the lake refill process.
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