Burns Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Burns Lake Dam, located in Lilburn, Georgia, was completed in 1965 and serves as a recreational facility along Lucky Shoals Creek.


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Summary

This private-owned earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet with a hydraulic height of 19 feet, providing a storage capacity of 126 acre-feet. Despite its modest size, the dam has a high hazard potential, making it crucial for the state regulatory agency, the GA-SAFE DAMS PROGRAM, to conduct regular inspections and enforcement measures.

With a spillway type of "Uncontrolled" and uncontrolled outlet gates, Burns Lake Dam has a risk assessment rating of moderate (3). Although the dam's condition is currently not rated, its hazard potential underscores the importance of emergency action preparedness and risk management measures. The dam's oversight falls under the jurisdiction of the state of Georgia, ensuring that safety protocols are in place to mitigate potential risks and safeguard the surrounding community and environment. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Burns Lake Dam represents a focal point for understanding the intersection of recreational infrastructure, water management, and dam safety in the state.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

LUCKY SHOALS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

19

Nid Storage

126

Structural Height

19

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
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.