Bellaire Dam Water Levels Stabilize in Antrim County

Water levels at Bellaire Dam near Mancelona stabilized Thursday afternoon with early signs of decline, but Antrim County officials kept the "Ready" protocol in effect for the Intermediate River downstream of the dam.

Janet Koch, Antrim County Public Information Officer, confirmed the stability at 5:25 p.m. April 16. Officials will monitor the dam overnight. The nearby Elk Rapids Hydrodam remains stable, and the Antrim County Road Commission continues checking local bridges.

The "Ready" protocol tells residents and businesses along the Intermediate River to prepare for potential evacuation. Residents should pack medications and important documents, secure outdoor items, and move valuables to higher levels.

County officials activate three safety stages based on water levels: "Ready" when water is 12 inches below the dam top and rising 3 inches daily or faster; "Set" when water reaches 6 inches below the top with similar rise rates or predicted to top within 48 hours; and "Go" when evacuation becomes necessary.

For information, contact Koch at [email protected], 231-533-6265 (office), or 231-350-2896 (cell).