Brule, also known as Brule Island, is a hydroelectric facility located on the Brule River in Iron Mountain, Michigan.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1919 by Mead & Seastone, this concrete, earth, and gravity dam stands at 66 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 73.3 feet. With a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation and recreation, the dam has a normal storage capacity of 8,600 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 62,000 cubic feet per second.
The Brule dam covers a surface area of 538 acres and serves a drainage area of 1,020 acres. Its spillway, controlled and 139 feet wide, ensures safe water release during periods of high flow. The facility's hazard potential is classified as high, with a very high risk assessment score of 1. Despite its age, the condition assessment of the dam is currently unavailable, pointing to potential uncertainties in its structural integrity.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Brule remains a crucial part of Michigan's water resource infrastructure. As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to monitor and assess the dam's condition and risk levels, it underscores the importance of sustainable management practices for aging hydroelectric facilities to ensure the safety and reliability of our water resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1919 |
Dam Length |
433.5 |
Dam Height |
66 |
River Or Stream |
Brule River |
Surface Area |
538 |
Hydraulic Height |
73.3 |
Drainage Area |
1020 |
Nid Storage |
8880 |
Structural Height |
78.9 |
Outlet Gates |
Tainter (radial) - 8 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
79 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Glidden Lake State Forest Campground
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River Bends Campground
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Summer Breeze Campground
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Paint River Hills Campground
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