Michigamme Falls
Michigamme Falls is a concrete dam located in Iron County, Michigan, built in 1953. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Michigamme Falls
The primary purpose of Michigamme Falls is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Wisconsin Electric Power Company (public utility). It impounds the Michigamme River near Iron Mountain.
The dam stands 72 feet tall and stretches 1,451 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 505 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 7,460 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 724 square miles. Completed in 1953, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 06/28/2022.
At 72 feet, this dam is taller than 96% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Michigan dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Michigan |
| County | Iron |
| Nearest City | Iron Mountain |
| River/Stream | Michigamme River |
| Coordinates | 45.95550, -88.19660 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 72 ft |
| Dam Height | 72 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,451 ft |
| Year Completed | 1953 (73 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 7,460 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 7,460 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 7,460 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 505 acres |
| Drainage Area | 724 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 17,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Wisconsin Electric Power Company |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 06/28/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MI00184 |
| Federal ID | MI00184 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |