UPDATE: Dam collapse causes major road damage
UPDATE — Tuesday, July 18th, 2017 7:00 p.m.
Early Tuesday morning, emergency crews were called out to Stagecoach Road in Michigamme after residents heard the sound of rushing water.
“I was outside at about 12:30 last night and I heard a loud rushing. It sounded like river flowing. There’s a beaver dam up behind the road about 200 feet and I figured that gave way and I was right, it gave way,” said Mike Hinkens, the resident who made the 911 call.
The collapse of the dam cause major flooding, washing out the road completely. “The EMS responded right away. They were here in about 15-20 minutes. They blocked off the road on both sides, alerted the neighbors that are trapped on the other side of the highway,” said Hinkens.
Anyone that is stranded by the damage should contact 911 for assistance. Crews are working on a temporary solution.
A logging road is being worked on so that people on the other side of the damage have an escape route.No injuries have been reported at this time.
BARAGA– Parts of Baraga County are being hit with flooding.
The Michigamme-Spurr Volunteer Fire Department and the Baraga County Road Commission have responded to the area of Beaufort Lake and Stagecoach Drive, after a beaver dam collapsed.
The collapse of the dam resulted in flooding of the area.
The Michigan State Police say the area is impassable at this time and Stagecoach Drive has been washed out by flood waters.
The flooding along Stagecoach Drive is extensive and the area should be avoided if possible.
Emergency crews are currently establishing an alternative route of travel.
Anyone stranded by the flooding and in need of emergency services should contact 911.