Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is a concrete dam located in Clinton County, New York, built in 1926. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Rainbow Falls
The primary purpose of Rainbow Falls is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by New York State Electric & Gas Corporation (public utility). It impounds the Ausable River near Ausable Chasm.
The dam stands 19 feet tall and stretches 435 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 17 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 180 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 503 square miles. Completed in 1926, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 09/07/2022.
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Location
| State | New York |
| County | Clinton |
| Nearest City | Ausable Chasm |
| River/Stream | Ausable River |
| Coordinates | 44.52280, -73.45950 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 19 ft |
| Dam Height | 19 ft |
| Dam Length | 435 ft |
| Year Completed | 1926 (100 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 180 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 180 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 180 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 17 acres |
| Drainage Area | 503 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 15,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | New York State Electric & Gas Corporation |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/07/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY00240 |
| Federal ID | NY00240 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |