Rainbow
Rainbow is a gravity dam located in St. Lawrence County, New York, built in 1956. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Rainbow
The primary purpose of Rainbow 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 Erie Boulevard Hydropower, L.p. (private). It impounds the Raquette River near South Colton.
The dam stands 82 feet tall and stretches 2,677 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 715 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 12,160 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 929 square miles. Completed in 1956, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. 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 06/08/2022.
At 82 feet, this dam is taller than 97% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The New York dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | New York |
| County | St. Lawrence |
| Nearest City | South Colton |
| River/Stream | Raquette River |
| Coordinates | 44.51650, -74.82110 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 82 ft |
| Dam Height | 82 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,677 ft |
| Year Completed | 1956 (70 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 12,160 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 12,160 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 12,160 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 715 acres |
| Drainage Area | 929 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 82,100 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Erie Boulevard Hydropower, L.P. |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 06/08/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY00257 |
| Federal ID | NY00257 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |