Rainbo Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rainbo Lake Dam, located in Henderson, Texas, was completed in 1932 and serves primarily for irrigation purposes on Catfish Creek.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 20 feet, with a length of 2080 feet, and has a storage capacity of 2692 acre-feet. Its spillway, with a width of 143 feet, is uncontrolled, and the dam is classified as an earth dam with a buttress core.

Despite its age, the dam has been regularly inspected, with the last assessment conducted in June 2016, revealing an unsatisfactory condition. The dam is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and is subject to state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The risk assessment for Rainbo Lake Dam is moderate, indicating potential hazards that require management measures to ensure the safety of the structure and surrounding areas. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Rainbo Lake Dam is a site that offers insights into the importance of maintaining and managing dams for sustainable water use and environmental protection.

Year Completed

1932

Dam Length

2080

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

CATFISH CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

159

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

12.7

Nid Storage

2692

Structural Height

20

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 4

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

20
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.