There is now a USGS gauge on this stream, not far upstream of the listed put-in.
The majority of the upstream flow in this river is diverted to the Michigamme River via a canal at Little Bull Dam. The capacity of the diversion canal is fairly high so major snowmelt or extended rain is needed to affect levels in this reach beyond the release levels as given below.
The licensing agreement for the hydropower project provides for flows as follows (as long as inflow from upstream allows):
April 1 - May 15: 350 cfs
May 16 - June 15: 300 cfs
June 16 - June 30: 275 cfs
July 1 - November: 250 cfs
December - March: 175 cfs
Flows of 250 will provide a reasonable minimum, while higher flows will be more desirable.
| Name | Range | Difficulty | Updated | Level | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PAINT RIVER NEAR ALPHA, MI | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| usgs-04062000 | 200 - 2000 cfs | II(III) | 02h09m | 207 cfs (rc= 0.0 ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Good flow. |
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Gauge (631 sq.mi. drainage) is just upstream of put-in, thus very accurately reflects flow in this reach. Flow regulated by dam with scheduled releases. |
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| When | River/Gauge | Subject | Level | Reporter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paint River [MI] |
Horserace at high water
|
n/a | Nate Alwine | |
| Paint [MI] |
Pin on the Paint (MI)
|
650 | Mark Mastalski | |
| 3y239d06h39m | Paint [MI] |
Dragon's Teeth
|
300 cfs | Brendan Hammond |
| 7y152d14h39m | Paint [MI] |
Bottom of Horserace
|
380 cfs | Mark Mastalski |
| 8y195d14h39m | Paint [MI] |
Flushed :(
|
275cfs | Nate Alwine |
| 9y305d14h39m | Paint [MI] |
Horserace at High Water
|
very high | Nate Alwine |