Crystal Falls

Paint Branch· Iron, Michigan· Built 1903· Gravity· 24 ft tall
Low Hazard Hydroelectric Local Government

Key Takeaway

Crystal Falls is classified as low hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1903 and is 123 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.

Physical Details

Dam Height 24 ft (taller than 81.6% in MI)
Dam Length101 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage590 acre-ft
Normal Storage590 acre-ft
Surface Area10 acres
Drainage Area597 sq mi
Year Completed1903 (123 years old)
NID IDMI00530

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: August 22, 2019
State Regulated: No

Ownership

City of Crystal Falls

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Crystal Falls?

Crystal Falls is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Crystal Falls?

Crystal Falls is owned by City of Crystal Falls (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Crystal Falls built?

Crystal Falls was completed in 1903, making it 123 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Crystal Falls?

Crystal Falls serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Crystal Falls?

Crystal Falls has a dam height of 24 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Crystal Falls last inspected?

Crystal Falls was last inspected on August 22, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.