Burgess Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Burgess Lake, located in Jackson, Indiana, is a private water source regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.


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Summary

This man-made lake, completed in 1982, serves primarily for recreational purposes, with a surface area of 5.1 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 87 acre-feet. The dam, standing at a height of 26 feet and a length of 600 feet, poses a low hazard potential with fair condition assessment as of the last inspection in December 2015.

The lake is situated along an unnamed tributary of Horse Lick, within the Louisville District of the US Army Corps of Engineers jurisdiction. Despite having no spillway, Burgess Lake has a maximum discharge capacity of 445 cubic feet per second. With its close proximity to nature and its serene surroundings, Burgess Lake offers enthusiasts of water resources and climate a picturesque setting to appreciate the intersection of human intervention and natural beauty in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. The risk assessment for the dam is classified as high (2), calling for continued monitoring and risk management measures to ensure the safety and sustainability of the lake.

As a private water source in Indiana, Burgess Lake stands as a testament to the importance of responsible stewardship of natural resources. With its emphasis on recreation and leisure, the lake provides a sanctuary for water resource and climate enthusiasts to engage with the environment while also highlighting the need for ongoing maintenance and regulation to mitigate potential risks. By understanding and appreciating the delicate balance between human activity and ecological preservation, Burgess Lake serves as a valuable case study for sustainable water management practices in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1982

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY HORSE LICK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.1

Drainage Area

0.1

Nid Storage

87

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

26
       
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.