Rainbow Lakes # 1 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Rainbow Lakes # 1 Dam, located in Meridian City Limits, Mississippi, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1977 for recreational purposes.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 32.59 feet and has a storage capacity of 878 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 698 acre-feet. The dam, situated on the UNT of Nanabe Creek, covers a surface area of 54.7 acres and serves as a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts looking to engage in recreational activities.
Despite its primary purpose for recreation, Rainbow Lakes # 1 Dam is also regulated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, ensuring that the dam meets state inspection, enforcement, and permitting requirements. The dam has a spillway type of uncontrolled and a hazard potential rated as high, with a fair condition assessment as of the last inspection in February 2021. While the risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk, the dam's emergency action plan was last revised in May 2010, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure public safety and environmental protection.
Overall, Rainbow Lakes # 1 Dam provides a vital source of water storage and recreational opportunities in Lauderdale County, Mississippi. With its scenic location and significant storage capacity, the dam serves as a valuable asset for the community while emphasizing the importance of maintaining infrastructure to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of all users.
Year Completed |
1977 |
Dam Length |
1160 |
Dam Height |
32.59 |
River Or Stream |
UNT OF NANABE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
54.7 |
Hydraulic Height |
32.59 |
Drainage Area |
0.52 |
Nid Storage |
878 |
Structural Height |
32.59 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
33 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sowashee Creek At Meridian
|
16cfs |
Okatibbee Creek At Arundel
|
89cfs |
Chunky River Nr Chunky
|
301cfs |
Chickasawhay River At Enterprise
|
546cfs |
Sucarnoochee River At Livingston Al
|
272cfs |
Bodka Creek Near Geiger
|
15cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Rainbow Lakes # 1 Dam