Peavy Falls dam
Peavy Falls
Peavy Falls, also known as Peavy Pond, is a captivating hydroelectric structure located in Iron Mountain, Michigan. Built in 1943 by Holland Ackerman Holland, this concrete dam stands at a towering 78 feet in height with a hydraulic height of 96 feet, making it a remarkable feat of engineering. With a normal storage capacity of 34,250 acre-feet and a surface area of 3,160 acres, Peavy Falls plays a crucial role in providing hydroelectric power and recreational opportunities to the surrounding area.
Situated on the Michigamme River and managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Peavy Falls boasts a controlled spillway with a width of 82 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 15,500 cubic feet per second. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is rated as very high, indicating the need for vigilant monitoring and management. With its striking design and significant contribution to water resource management, Peavy Falls stands as a testament to the intersection of human innovation and environmental sustainability in the face of climate challenges.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Peavy Falls serves as a fascinating example of the intricate balance between harnessing renewable energy sources and protecting natural ecosystems. As a key player in the region's energy infrastructure and water management system, this hydroelectric structure represents a harmonious blend of functionality and environmental stewardship. Its rich history, impressive specifications, and critical role in both energy production and recreational activities make Peavy Falls a must-visit destination for those interested in the intersection of water resources, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
- Fair
- No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action.
- Poor
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency.
- Unsatisfactory
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
- Not Rated
- The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
- Significant
- Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
- Low
- Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
- Undetermined
- Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Peavy Falls -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Paint River Nr Alpha | 404 cfs | → |
| Menominee River Near Florence | 1,390 cfs | → |
| Brule River Near Commonwealth | 826 cfs | → |
| Brule River At Us Highway 2 Near Florence | 398 cfs | → |
| Michigamme River Near Crystal Falls | 452 cfs | → |
| Menominee River At Twin Falls Near Iron Mt | 3,420 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Peavy Falls .
Boat launches
- Brule River/Menominee River -- Access
- Brule River Flowage Landing (Nr Brule Landing Rd In Florence Co.)
- Fisher Lake -- Access
- Lake Mary Road Mastodon Township
- North Lake -- Access
- Cosgrove And Round Lake -- Access
Campgrounds
- Glidden Lake State Forest Campground
- Paint River Hills Campground
- Summer Breeze Campground
- River Bends Campground
- Lake Ellen Camp
- Pentoga Park (Iron County Park)
Fishing spots
Paddle runs
- Mainstem, Easternforest Boundary In Sec 1, T44n, R35w To City Of Crystal Falls
- Brule Lake In Ne1/4 Sec 15, T41n, R13e To Forest Boundary In Se1/4 Sec 31, T41n, R17e
- Forest Road 2156 To Eastern Forest Boundary
- Forest Road 2133 To Forest Road 2156
- Forest Road 2398 To Eastern Forest Boundary
- Forest Road 2169 To Forest Road 2133
More reservoirs
Track Peavy Falls in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Peavy Falls
Where does the data for Peavy Falls come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Peavy Falls .