Michigamme Falls, located in Iron Mountain, Michigan, is a captivating hydroelectric dam constructed in 1953 by Mead & Hunt.
Wind
Humidity
This concrete dam stands at a height of 72 feet and spans a length of 1451 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 7460 acre-feet. The dam serves multiple purposes including hydroelectric power generation and recreation, drawing water from the Michigamme River to support its operations.
With a maximum discharge of 17000 cubic feet per second and a controlled spillway width of 81 feet, Michigamme Falls demonstrates a high hazard potential due to its structural complexity and the surrounding topography. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission oversees the regulation and inspection of this dam, ensuring its safety and compliance with federal guidelines. Despite its age, Michigamme Falls remains a vital part of Michigan's water resource infrastructure, highlighting the intersection of human engineering and environmental stewardship in managing water resources and climate challenges in the region.
Year Completed |
1953 |
Dam Length |
1451 |
Dam Height |
72 |
River Or Stream |
Michigamme River |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
505 |
Hydraulic Height |
38.7 |
Drainage Area |
724 |
Nid Storage |
7460 |
Structural Height |
55 |
Outlet Gates |
Tainter (radial) - 3 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
72 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Glidden Lake State Forest Campground
|
||
Summer Breeze Campground
|
||
River Bends Campground
|
||
Paint River Hills Campground
|