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Conditions have improved at the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has demobilized pumps and other emergency equipment used to channel water around the dam, according to a Friday press release from the DNR

To allow for the spillway gates to be reinstalled, pumps that were used during emergency operations had to first be shut down and removed.

Spillway gates are scheduled to be reinstalled early next week. Officials report that water levels at the dam have dropped out of the emergency stage, and the spillway is currently managing water flow effectively, according to the press release.

Officials emphasized that when the gates are reinstalled, they will remain fully open, and the volume of water passing through the spillway will not change from its current rate of flow.

Once the spillway gates are back in place, crews will reinstall the safety cable, which helps keep small watercraft from getting too close to the spillway gates, the press release stated.

The DNR reminds everyone that the Lincoln Street and Forks boating access sites remain closed for emergency operations. Other DNR access sites also are closed due to high water and dangerous conditions. Recreationists are encouraged to check the DNR website for closures at Michigan.gov/DNRClosures.