Michigan DNR to Close the Black River Lake Boat Access Indefinitely

The Michigan Department of Natural Resource will close the boat launch at the Black River Lake in Gogebic County indefinitely. Earlier this week MDNR announced the black river lake boat access site will close indefinitely and advised the public to avoid the area due to soft soils exposed by water drained from the impoundment. Since June 28th the DNR has received reports of extremely low water levels with the Balck River Lake. The impoundment, approximately 10 miles southeast of Ironwood, was maintained by a water control structure on the north side of the lake. During an investigation, DNR fisheries division staff determined that the dam experienced a partial failure with one of the lower stop-logs breaking, causing slow drainage. The Department of Natural Resources classifies the dam, located in a remote part of Gogebic County, as a low-hazard structure. Meaning a potential failure poses a low risk to public safety, property, or the environment. To reduce the likelihood of the area refilling the DNR will remove the remaining stop-logs closing the boating access site indefinitely. Michigan Department of Environment Great Lakes and Energy Dam safety unit has been alerted to the issue and will continue to assess the next steps and future management.