Clinton River Watershed Coalition: Beware Of Bypass Channel

ROCHESTER HILLS, MI — The Clinton River Watershed Council has recommended people avoid the section of the Clinton River between downtown Rochester and the Yates Dam due to a river flow issue.

The group said a small bypass channel formed upstream from Yates Dam two years ago. Recently, the river flow completely moved to the bypass channel, leaving a dry riverbed immediately above and below the Yates Dam.

"Preliminary plans have been drawn up for a proposed solution and we are currently seeking funds to block off the bypass channel and direct all flows back into the main river channel," the group said in a news release Wednesday. "All the partners are dedicated to repairing and enhaning this site as soon as possible."

The coalition has been working with partners over the past 18 months to address the bypass and devise a plan to close the cut-off channel, the group said. The group said the channel is problematic because not only does it flow water away from the main channel, it could serve as a migratory pathway for unwanted species, such as sea lamprey.