BARAGA COUNTY, MI— The Department of Natural Resources says the Net River Dam in Baraga County has experienced a partial failure, but it poses a low risk to public safety or fish and wildlife.
Officials say the control structure in the middle of the dam corroded, causing a sinkhole to develop, but upstream and downstream embankments continue to contain the water.
Inspectors and contractors with the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy are determining the next steps to stabilize the structure. Barricades have been put up and conservation officers and Michigan State Police have been on-site to assist with any safety issues.
Officials don’t expect three bridges downstream of the dam to be affected, but local authorities have been notified. DNR Wildlife Operations Field Manager Bill Scullon says the situation is stable and will be monitored for the foreseeable future.
