Buck Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hawkinsville Dam Joseph Beaton Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Buck Lake Dam, situated in Boonville, New York, is a privately owned recreational dam on Mile Creek.
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Summary
With a height of 12 feet and a length of 190 feet, this earth dam provides a storage capacity of 113 acre-feet, offering a serene 26-acre surface area for outdoor activities. Despite being designated as low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is ranked as very high, signifying the importance of ongoing monitoring and management measures to ensure its safety and functionality.
Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Buck Lake Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state authorities. The dam, completed in an unspecified year, boasts a controlled spillway with a width of 4 feet to manage water discharge effectively. Although the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, its location in a high-risk area underscores the need for emergency preparedness and risk mitigation strategies to safeguard both the dam infrastructure and the surrounding community.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Buck Lake Dam offers a fascinating insight into the intersection of recreational infrastructure and environmental stewardship. As a focal point for outdoor recreation, the dam contributes to the local ecosystem while posing potential risks that necessitate proactive risk management. With a rich history and a critical role in water management, Buck Lake Dam serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human development and natural resource conservation in a changing climate landscape.
Dam Length |
190 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
MILE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
26 |
Drainage Area |
0.5 |
Nid Storage |
113 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Buck Lake Dam
Bottom (Fowlersville to Lyons Falls)