Evacuation ordered along part of Muskegon River in Newaygo County
Residents along the Muskegon River near Croton Dam in West Michigan have been ordered by local officials to evacuate.
www.cbsnews.comHere’s the latest on Croton Dam in Michigan.
Evacuations were ordered for parts of the Muskegon River floodplain below Croton Dam in Newaygo County as water levels rose, with authorities warning residents to evacuate and power to be shut off in affected areas. This was reported around April 15–16, 2026, as the Muskegon River reached major flood levels near Croton Dam.[3][8][9]
Officials noted that six of Croton Dam’s gates were opened to manage the surge, and that the downstream area was experiencing significant flooding, though they stated the dam itself remained structurally sound. Public access sites along the river below the dam were closed, and local shelters were made available if evacuees needed them.[1][3]
Coverage from multiple outlets emphasized that the situation was rapidly changing, with ongoing updates about bridge closures, potential further evacuations, and emergency notifications as river levels crest. Local TV stations and News outlets provided real-time updates and guidance for residents.[5][7][1]
If you’d like, I can pull a concise timeline of the key evacuation actions, flood levels, and dam status from these sources, or summarize the current advisories for residents in the area. Please note that details can evolve quickly in flood events.[1][3]
Residents along the Muskegon River near Croton Dam in West Michigan have been ordered by local officials to evacuate.
www.cbsnews.comThe sheriff urged locals to leave as the water is rising abnormally fast
www.independent.co.ukCommunities in West Michigan near the Croton Dam have been directed to evacuate the area Thursday as water levels continue to rise.
www.clickondetroit.com2034, Consumers Energy has discussed all options with the dams, including potential dam removal. If Croton Dam were removed, CDP would revert to again being the Muskegon River, and would resemble the high-gradient, cold-water habitat that is currently present below Croton Dam. Fish passage would be restored, making it possible for important migratory species like Walleye, Lake Sturgeon, Chinook
www.michigan.gov