Rainbow Lake Dam

TR-EAST OTTO CREEK· Cattaraugus, New York· Built 1964· Earth· 22 ft tall
Significant Hazard Other Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Rainbow Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in New York. It was completed in 1964 and is 62 years old. Its primary use is other. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 22 ft (taller than 63.7% in NY)
Dam Length1,040 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage745 acre-ft
Normal Storage500 acre-ft
Surface Area51 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge343 cfs
Year Completed1964 (62 years old)
NID IDNY00840

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: July 11, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

ALLEGANY MOUNTAIN RV RESORT

Private

Nearby Dams

Richard Weishan Pond Dam

Cattaraugus, NY

Significant Hazard 16 ft

James Hughey Dam

Cattaraugus, NY

Low Hazard 10 ft

Stuart Klahn Dam

Cattaraugus, NY

Low Hazard 14 ft

Edgar Ploetz Recreational Pond Dam

Cattaraugus, NY

Significant Hazard 22 ft

William O Nannen Pond Dam

Cattaraugus, NY

Significant Hazard 15 ft

Sunset Saddle Dam

Cattaraugus, NY

Significant Hazard 20 ft

Holimont Upper Reservoir Dam

Cattaraugus, NY

High Hazard 35 ft

Tannenbaum Reservoir Dam

Cattaraugus, NY

High Hazard 31 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Rainbow Lake Dam?

Rainbow Lake Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. 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 ALLEGANY MOUNTAIN RV RESORT (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: Other, 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 22 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 July 11, 2017. 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.