Rainbow Lake Dam

PRATTS FORK· Athens, Ohio· Earth· 31 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Rainbow Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Ohio. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 31 ft (taller than 64.6% in OH)
Dam Length342 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage312 acre-ft
Normal Storage97 acre-ft
Surface Area15 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge1,008 cfs
NID IDOH00705

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: June 16, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Natural Resources

Ownership

Rainbow Lake of Athens County, Inc.

Private

Nearby Dams

Margaret Creek Structure No. 5

Athens, OH

Significant Hazard 29 ft

Margaret Creek Structure No. 4

Athens, OH

High Hazard 34 ft

Margaret Creek Structure No. 1

Athens, OH

High Hazard 32 ft

Margaret Creek Structure No. 2

Athens, OH

High Hazard 60 ft

Dow Lake Dam

Athens, OH

High Hazard 66 ft

Nesbitt Pond Dam

Athens, OH

High Hazard 29 ft

Margaret Creek Structure No. 6

Athens, OH

High Hazard 42 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 Rainbow Lake of Athens County, Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

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 June 16, 2022. 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.