Rainbow Lake Dam

RIVER AUX VASES· Ste. Genevieve, Missouri· Built 1964· Earth· 31 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Rainbow Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Missouri. It was completed in 1964 and is 62 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height	31 ft (taller than 73.7% in MO)
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	580 acre-ft
Normal Storage	343 acre-ft

Surface Area	35 acres
Drainage Area	1,741 sq mi
Year Completed	1964 (62 years old)
NID ID	MO30641

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No

Last Inspection: August 21, 1978

State Regulated: No

Ownership

RIVERBLUFF GIRL SCOUT CN

Private

Nearby Dams

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Butterfly Lake Dam

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Spring Hart Lake Dam

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High Hazard 27 ft

Pineview Dam

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Lake Genevieve Lower Dam

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High Hazard 20 ft

Trautman Lake Dam

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Kaeppel Lake Dam

Ste. Genevieve, MO

Low Hazard 25 ft

Schaefer Lake Dam

Ste. Genevieve, MO

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Rainbow Lake Dam?

Rainbow Lake Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Rainbow Lake Dam?

Rainbow Lake Dam is owned by RIVERBLUFF GIRL SCOUT CN (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Rainbow Lake Dam built?

Rainbow Lake Dam was completed in 1964, making it 62 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 Dam?

Rainbow Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Rainbow Lake Dam?

Rainbow Lake Dam has a dam height of 31 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 Rainbow Lake Dam last inspected?

Rainbow Lake Dam was last inspected on August 21, 1978. 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.