Peavy Falls
Peavy Falls is a concrete dam located in Iron County, Michigan, built in 1943. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Peavy Falls
The primary purpose of Peavy 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 96 feet tall and stretches 770 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 3,160 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 34,250 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 715 square miles. Completed in 1943, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
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 06/16/2022.
At 96 feet, this dam is taller than 98% 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 | 45.99080, -88.20850 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 96 ft |
| Dam Height | 78 ft |
| Dam Length | 770 ft |
| Year Completed | 1943 (83 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 34,250 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 34,250 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 34,250 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 3,160 acres |
| Drainage Area | 715 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 15,500 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 | 06/16/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MI00191 |
| Federal ID | MI00191 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |