Burgess Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Burgess Dam, located in Choctaw Beach, Florida, is a private earth dam built in 1965 by the USDA NRCS for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Standing at 12 feet high and 415 feet long, the dam has a storage capacity of 163 acre-feet and serves various purposes including fire protection, stock, small fish pond, fish and wildlife pond, and recreation. The dam, situated on Piney Creek, is regulated by the NWFWMD and has a significant hazard potential.

Despite not being inspected since 1994 and lacking a condition assessment rating, Burgess Dam remains a key feature in the local landscape, providing a surface area of 14 acres and a drainage area of 0.4 square miles. With a maximum discharge of 180 cubic feet per second and an uncontrolled spillway width of 40 feet, the dam poses a moderate risk (3) according to the available data. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the unique design and potential challenges of Burgess Dam make it an intriguing subject for further exploration and analysis in the realm of dam safety and environmental conservation.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

415

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

PINEY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14

Drainage Area

0.4

Nid Storage

163

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

12
       
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.