Rainbow Lake Dam dam
Rainbow Lake Dam
Rainbow Lake Dam, located in Pittsgrove Township, New Jersey, is a state-regulated structure on Troy Brook with a primary purpose of recreation. Built in 1774, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and spans 900 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 240 acre-feet. The dam covers a surface area of 80 acres and serves a drainage area of 53.1 square miles.
Despite its age, Rainbow Lake Dam is assessed to be in fair condition with a significant hazard potential. The last inspection in April 2021 indicated a need for regular monitoring and maintenance, with an inspection frequency set at every two years. Its emergency action plan was last revised in April 2020, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and response measures in the event of a dam failure. With a noteworthy risk profile, Rainbow Lake Dam remains a critical structure requiring ongoing attention and management to ensure public safety and environmental protection in Salem County, New Jersey.
As a key feature in the recreation landscape of the area, Rainbow Lake Dam plays a vital role in water resource management and climate resilience. Its historical significance as one of the early dams in the region adds to its cultural and environmental value, making it a focal point for enthusiasts interested in the intersection of water infrastructure, climate adaptation, and sustainable development in New Jersey.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams 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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Rainbow Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Maurice River At Norma Nj | 70 cfs | → |
| Cohansey River At Seeley Nj | 19 cfs | → |
| Little Ease Rn Nr Clayton Nj | 2 cfs | → |
| Great Egg Harbor River At Folsom Nj | 33 cfs | → |
| Salem River At Woodstown Nj | 4 cfs | → |
| Great Egg Harbor R Nr Blue Anchor Nj | 16 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Rainbow Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- Piney Point Trail Cumberland County
- Centerton Road Elmer
- East Broad Street 13, Bridgeton
- Harding Highway Pittsgrove Township
- Wma Access Road Cumberland County
- Marshall Drive 35, Cumberland County
Campgrounds
- Parvin State Park
- Yogi Bear Tall Pines Campground
- Indian Branch Park Campground
- Belleplain State Forest
- Atsion - Wharton State Forest
- Tinicum Island Primitive Campsite
Fishing spots
Track Rainbow Lake Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Rainbow Lake Dam
Where does the data for Rainbow Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Significant hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Rainbow Lake Dam.