We still expect Sanford Lake to reach its normal legal level by Memorial Day. We are currently holding at the winter lake level and expect to start raising the water level again early next week. As a reminder, we can raise the lake 1 foot per day if the water flow into the lake allows. We want to emphasize exercising caution around the lake. Three main points:

1. Debris will come down the lake as we fill it, and FLTF is still collecting debris in front of the dam. We are aware there are a number of locations that have a lot of debris - we are monitoring them as we fill the lake. If it is safe to do so, please remove debris in front of your property. This helps with clean-up by the dam. If you choose to go on the lake, stay alert and watch out for floating objects.
2. The lakebottom and shoreline have changed. Water depths are different and there are new fishing structures and riprap in various places. Please stay alert.
3. Water quality will not immediately be what it used to be. With debris and sediment jostled, it will take time for the quality to return. We are continually monitoring water quality.

We published a new page on our website which includes all lake use rules and regulations for Sanford Lake. We encourage property owners to view the page to refresh their memories.

Four Lakes Community - 
We are seeing the most rain and flooding in Gladwin and Midland counties since 2020. FLTF is monitoring flows and lake levels and communicating with county emergency managers per protocol. Lake and river levels are elevated throughout Michigan. Water is flowing through all four dams as expected and we see no integrity issues with the dams at this time.

We are receiving inquiries asking why we aren’t doing more to control flooding downstream. As a reminder, the dams are not intended for flood control, nor do the lakes have the capacity for flood control storage. The dams are designed and operated as run-of-river, with the intention of not increasing downstream risk from dam failure.