Rainbow Falls Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rainbow Falls Dam, located in Aiken, South Carolina, is a privately owned structure primarily used for fire protection, stock, or as a small fish pond.


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Summary

Completed in 1960, this earth dam stands at a height of 13 feet and spans a length of 600 feet, with a storage capacity of 178 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Little Horse Creek and is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).

Despite its low hazard potential, Rainbow Falls Dam is regularly inspected to ensure its fair condition and safety. The last inspection in May 2019 found the dam to be in satisfactory condition. With a normal storage capacity of 106 acre-feet and a surface area of 24 acres, the dam serves as a vital resource for the local community. Additionally, the dam offers recreational opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Owned by a private entity, Rainbow Falls Dam plays a crucial role in providing essential services while also contributing to the local ecosystem. As a key component of water resource management in the area, the dam serves as a testament to the importance of maintaining and monitoring infrastructure to ensure the safety and well-being of surrounding communities.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

LITTLE HORSE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

24

Nid Storage

178

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

13
       
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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. 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

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, 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.