EVACUATION ORDER ISSUED FOR MUSKEGON RIVER FLOODPLAIN Newaygo County Emergency Services has issued an urgent evacuation order for residents in the Muskegon River Floodplain below the Croton Dam, citing rapidly rising water levels and the potential for catastrophic flooding. The directive, issued on April 16, 2026, comes as emergency personnel conduct door-to-door alerts to ensure compliance. Sheriff Bob Mendham confirmed that while the Croton Dam remains structurally stable, the situation is deemed too dangerous for residents to stay in the floodplain. The emergency notice highlights that water levels on the Muskegon River have surged to critical thresholds, with three U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) streamgages reporting major flood conditions. At 9:00 a.m., the Croton Streamgage recorded 12.07 feet, exceeding flood stage by over three feet. The Newaygo Streamgage measured 15.58 feet, surpassing its flood stage of 11.0 feet, while the Bridgeton Streamgage reached 16.56 feet, well above its 13.0-foot flood threshold. These readings indicate that the river is nearing levels comparable to the severe flooding event of April 2014, with officials warning that conditions could worsen. Residents in specific neighborhoods are at the highest risk, including Leisure Land Subdivision in Bridgeton Township, Sycamore Flats in Ashland Township, and Old Women’s Bend in Garfield Township. The floodwaters are expected to crest on April 17–18, potentially submerging homes and infrastructure. The Division Street Bridge in Hesperia is already under threat, with water flowing over the spillway of the Hesperia Dam and posing a risk of overtopping. Emergency crews are actively assessing the dam’s stability, though no immediate collapse is anticipated.#usgs #newaygo_county_emergency_services #croton_dam #muskegon_river #newaygo_county_commission_on_aging
