Rainbow Dike No. 2 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Rainbow Five Falls
Last Updated: December 18, 2025
Rainbow Dike No.
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Summary
2, located in South Colton, New York, along the Raquette River, is a privately owned rockfill dam used primarily for hydroelectric power generation and recreation. Standing at a height of 30 feet and stretching 940 feet in length, this dam was completed in 1956 and has a storage capacity of 12,160 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 715 acres with a drainage area of 929 square miles.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Rainbow Dike No. 2 has a high hazard potential and is classified as a high-risk structure, with limited information available on its current condition assessment. Despite its age and potential risks, this dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and renewable energy production in the region. With no spillway and a lack of inspection and enforcement by state regulatory agencies, the safety and maintenance of Rainbow Dike No. 2 remain under federal jurisdiction, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and risk management measures to ensure the protection of downstream communities and the surrounding ecosystem.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
940 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
Raquette River |
Primary Dam Type |
Rockfill |
Surface Area |
715 |
Drainage Area |
929 |
Nid Storage |
12160 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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 Dike No. 2