Black Lake Michigan: Stunning New Drone Footage Uncovers Hidden Coves and Record-Breaking Sturgeon

Heavy spring rains and rapid snowmelt have pushed Black Lake in Michigan’s Cheboygan and Presque Isle counties far beyond its legal level, inundating neighborhoods, closing roads and forcing emergency evacuations. State and local officials began issuing voluntary evacuation notices on 19 April after a “significant road washout” severed County Road 489, the primary route along the lake’s west shore. As water continued to rise, Cheboygan County Emergency Management expanded the alert zone to hundreds of lakefront cottages and year-round homes, urging residents to relocate to shelters in Onaway and Cheboygan. Drone and satellite imagery show entire streets now underwater, with docks, vehicles and propane tanks floating in what had been backyards. Long-time homeowners say they have never witnessed Black Lake overtopping boathouses and breaching crawl spaces to this extent. “All our hard work was washed away in 48 hours,” said Sandy Mitchell, who waded through chest-high water to salvage family photos before leaving. Engineers from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are monitoring the Black River outlet for structural strain. Officials emphasize that the earthen berm is stable but warn that additional rainfall could force controlled releases downstream, potentially impacting Millersburg and Tower. Road crews have already installed temporary jersey barriers and pumps along M-211, while Consumers Energy has cut electricity to the hardest-hit blocks to prevent electrocution. The Michigan State Police is patrolling evacuated areas to deter looting, and the Department of Natural Resources has closed Black Lake to motorized boating until water drops below flood stage. Governor Gretchen Whitmer urged property owners to document losses and submit damage surveys through the state’s online portal, a crucial step toward qualifying for federal disaster assistance. Volunteers with the American Red Cross say donations of cleaning supplies, dehumidifiers and pet food are in high demand. Forecast models show a dry stretch arriving late week, offering a chance for levels to recede. Until then, emergency managers recommend the following: • Sign up for Nixle or local text alerts for real-time evacuation updates. • Keep sandbags in place and elevate furnaces, water heaters and electrical panels. • Avoid driving through standing water—just 12 inches can sweep away an SUV. Residents with urgent needs can dial 2-1-1 for shelter availability or request wellness checks on neighbors who may be stranded. Authorities stress that patience and caution will be vital in the days ahead as Black Lake, one of northern Michigan’s most beloved fisheries, slowly returns to its shoreline.