Burch Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Burch is a privately owned earth dam located in St.


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Summary

Clair, Alabama, near Buzzards Roost. Built in 1967, the dam primarily serves the purpose of fire protection, stock, or a small fish pond. Standing at a structural height of 18 feet with a hydraulic height of 15 feet, Burch has a storage capacity of 58 acre-feet, with a maximum discharge of 450 cubic feet per second.

Despite its low hazard potential, Burch has not been rated for its condition assessment, and there is no information available on its emergency action plan or risk management measures. The dam spans a length of 1300 feet and is associated with the TR Little Canoe Creek. While it is not regulated by the state, Burch falls under the jurisdiction of the Mobile District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Burch offers an intriguing case study in the maintenance and management of private dams in Alabama. With its unique purpose and design, there is potential for further exploration into the environmental impact and sustainability of such structures in the region. As data on Burch continues to be updated, there is an opportunity to analyze its role in local water management and the broader implications for climate resilience.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

1300

River Or Stream

TR LITTLE CANOE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

58

Structural Height

18

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

18
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.