The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is requiring engineering inspections and assessments of Cheboygan area dams, and answers for what went wrong.

Federal regulators gave the corporate owner seven days to bring an engineer on site and file an assessment after record flooding nearly caused the dam to overtop in April.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is monitoring water levels at the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex amid additional rain in the forecast Friday.

DNR staff and contractors use rakes, heavy machinery and marine vessels to keep the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex flowing after record March snowfall and rain caused rivers to swell.

Some 32 billion gallons of snowmelt and rainfall-swelled waters must pass from downriver lakes through the Cheboygan dam before the threat is eased.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says Black and Mullett lakes are much higher than normal, so they need to drain an estimated 32 billion gallons of water.

"As of 8:30 a.m., 9.12 inches of water must recede before the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex Emergency Action Plan is deactivated," the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division said. "Crews are now focusing on the water that is yet to arrive."

Record flooding at the Cheboygan Dam has led the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to mandate engineering assessments and plans for the hydroelectric project.

CHEBOYGAN COUNTY – The Emergency Action Plan remains in effect for Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex, with water currently 9.24 inches below the top of the structure and additional rain forecast. The forecast for today shows showers likely in the afternoon,

It was a busy last couple of days for Cheboygan-area sports teams and athletes. Here's a look at the top performers for April 22-23.