Boone Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Boone Lake Dam, located in Boone, Kentucky, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1940 with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam stands at 27 feet high and spans 310 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 99.5 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 330 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Cruises Creek and is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

Despite its low hazard potential, Boone Lake Dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, with the last inspection in 2017 revealing areas in need of improvement. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, indicating a level 3 risk, though specific risk management measures are not outlined in the data. The dam does not have an emergency action plan (EAP) prepared, suggesting a potential area for improvement in emergency preparedness and response. Overall, Boone Lake Dam presents an interesting case for water resource and climate enthusiasts, showcasing the intersection of recreational use, regulatory oversight, and infrastructure maintenance in the context of a historical dam structure.

Year Completed

1940

Dam Length

310

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

CRUISES CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13.8

Drainage Area

0.46

Nid Storage

330

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

27
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

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.