Rainbow Lake
Key Takeaway
Rainbow Lake is classified as low hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 2016 and is 10 years old. Its primary use is water supply.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 9 ft (taller than 2.9% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 300 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 69 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 28 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 7 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,575 cfs |
| Year Completed | 2016 (10 years old) |
| NID ID | CO03000 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
BIG ELK MEADOWS HOA
Private
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Significant Hazard 16 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Rainbow Lake?
Rainbow Lake 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 Rainbow Lake?
Rainbow Lake is owned by BIG ELK MEADOWS HOA (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Rainbow Lake built?
Rainbow Lake was completed in 2016, making it 10 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 Rainbow Lake?
Rainbow Lake serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Rainbow Lake?
Rainbow Lake has a dam height of 9 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.