Rainbow Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 28, 2025
Rainbow Lake Dam is a private dam located in Chester, Ohio, along the Pratts Fork river.
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Summary
The dam serves primarily for recreational purposes and stands at a height of 31.4 feet, with a storage capacity of 312.3 acre-feet. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam is currently in poor condition, as assessed during the last inspection in April 2017. The dam is under state regulation and inspection by the Department of Natural Resources, ensuring that it meets necessary safety standards.
The dam, completed at an unknown year, has a length of 342 feet and a surface area of 15 acres, impacting a drainage area of 1.23 square miles. The structure is located within the jurisdiction of Athens County, Ohio, and falls under the Huntington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1008 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water management in the region. Despite its aging infrastructure and poor condition assessment, Rainbow Lake Dam remains a significant feature for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management and maintenance of dams in Ohio.
As a key recreational spot in the area, Rainbow Lake Dam offers opportunities for outdoor activities and water-based recreation. The dam's location on Pratts Fork river provides a tranquil setting for fishing, boating, and other leisure activities, attracting visitors from the surrounding communities. With its historical significance and environmental impact, the dam serves as a focal point for understanding the intersection of water resource management, climate resilience, and recreational opportunities in the region.
Dam Length |
342 |
Dam Height |
31.4 |
River Or Stream |
PRATTS FORK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15 |
Drainage Area |
1.23 |
Nid Storage |
312.3 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
31 |
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 Lake Dam