Lake Washington
Key Takeaway
Lake Washington is classified as high hazard in Rhode Island. It was completed in 1930 and is 96 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 | 6 ft (taller than 4.1% in RI) |
| Dam Length | 30 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 85 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 75 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 41 acres |
| Max Discharge | 17 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1930 (96 years old) |
| NID ID | RI01311 |
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
LAKE WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Private
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Significant Hazard 8 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Washington?
Lake Washington 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 Lake Washington?
Lake Washington is owned by LAKE WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Washington built?
Lake Washington was completed in 1930, making it 96 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 Lake Washington?
Lake Washington 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 Lake Washington?
Lake Washington has a dam height of 6 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 Lake Washington last inspected?
Lake Washington was last inspected on July 6, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.