Boone Lake
Key Takeaway
Boone Lake is classified as high hazard in Rhode Island. It was completed in 1885 and is 141 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 21 ft (taller than 84.7% in RI) |
| Dam Length | 265 ft |
| Dam Type | Masonry |
| Max Storage | 360 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 295 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 47 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 472 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1885 (141 years old) |
| NID ID | RI01103 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
BOONE LAKE DAM MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
Private
Nearby Dams
Browning Mill Pond
Washington, RI
Significant Hazard 11 ftBreakheart Pond
Washington, RI
Low Hazard 13 ftJames Pond
Washington, RI
Low Hazard 9 ftBarberville Pond
Washington, RI
Significant Hazard 11 ftEisenhower Lake
Kent, RI
Low Hazard 14 ftMillbrook Pond
Washington, RI
Low Hazard 7 ftMt. Tom Wildlife Marsh
Washington, RI
Low Hazard 6 ftWyoming Upper
Washington, RI
High Hazard 11 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Boone Lake?
Boone Lake is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Boone Lake?
Boone Lake is owned by BOONE LAKE DAM MANAGEMENT DISTRICT (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Boone Lake built?
Boone Lake was completed in 1885, making it 141 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Boone Lake?
Boone Lake serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Boone Lake?
Boone Lake has a dam height of 21 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Boone Lake last inspected?
Boone Lake was last inspected on August 14, 2013. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.