Crystal Falls is a historic gravity dam located in Iron County, Michigan, in the picturesque city of Crystal Falls.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1903, this multi-arch dam stands at a height of 24 feet and has a hydraulic height of 25 feet. With a storage capacity of 590 acre-feet and serving a drainage area of 597 square miles, Crystal Falls plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.
Owned by the local government and regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Crystal Falls has a low hazard potential and is equipped with a Tainter spillway with a width of 100 feet. The dam's condition assessment is not available, but it undergoes inspections every three years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite not being state-regulated, Crystal Falls remains a vital piece of infrastructure for the community, providing water storage and flood control benefits.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Crystal Falls offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of history, engineering, and environmental stewardship. Its presence on the Paint Branch river not only highlights the importance of dam infrastructure in managing water resources but also underscores the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and reliability of such critical structures in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1903 |
Dam Length |
101 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
Paint Branch |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
10 |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Drainage Area |
597 |
Nid Storage |
590 |
Outlet Gates |
Tainter (radial) - 4 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
25 |