Rainbow Dam, Wisconsin, USA

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Quick Facts About Rainbow Dam

Location: Oneida, Wisconsin
Coordinates: 45.8338, -89.5457
River: Wisconsin River
Primary Purpose: Hydroelectric
Type: Gravity Concrete Earth
Commissioned: 1935
Dam Height: 39 ft (12 m)
Dam Length: 1,800 ft (549 m)
Dam Capacity: 46,006 acre-ft (56,747 Ml)

Rainbow Dam Map

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Rainbow Dam Information

Rainbow Dam is a gravity concrete earth dam located about 25 miles from Rhinelander, Oneida, Wisconsin.

The dam, which is on the Wisconsin River, was primarily built for Hydroelectric purposes, but also serves for Flood Risk Reduction benefits.

The dam was designed by and commissioned in 1935 and is currently owned by Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company.

Rainbow Dam Structure

The Rainbow Dam is approximately 1,800 feet (549 m) long, 39 feet (12 m) high and has a structural volume of cubic yards (0 cubic metres).

Rainbow Dam Storage Capacity & Surface Area

The reservoir has a normal storage capacity of acre-ft (0 Ml) and maximum capacity of 46,006 acre-ft (56,747 Ml).

The surface area of the reservoir is acres (0 ha) and the total catchment area is 658 square miles (1,704 square kilometres).

Rainbow Dam Spillway

The dam spillway has a maximum discharge capacity of 32500 cubic feet per second (920 cubic metres per second).

Rainbow Dam Compared to Four Famous American Dams

Rainbow Dam
Oneida, Wisconsin
Hoover Dam
Clark County, Nevada
Grand Coulee Dam
Okanogan County, Washington
Theodore Roosevelt Dam
Maricopa County, Arizona
Glen Canyon Dam
Coconino County, Arizona
Height (ft) 39 730 550 357 216
Length (Ft) 1,800 1,244 5,673 6,920 1,565
Storage Volume (acre-ft) 46,006 30,237,000 9,562,000 3,540,000 29,875,000
Drainage Area (sq miles) 658 167,800 74,100 3,611 108,355

Rainbow Dam Weather

Current Conditions at Rainbow Dam

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7-Day Forecast for Rainbow Dam

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Rainbow Dam Frequently Asked Questions

In which state is the Rainbow Dam?

Rainbow Dam is in Wisconsin.

In which county is the Rainbow Dam?

Rainbow Dam is in Oneida County.

How high is the Rainbow Dam?

Rainbow Dam is 39 feet high.

How long is the Rainbow Dam?

Rainbow Dam is 1,800 feet long.

Condition Assessment Classification

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.

Source: National Inventory of Dams

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