Burkhead Lake Dam #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Burkhead Lake Dam #1, located in Alma, Montgomery County, North Carolina, serves as an essential structure for irrigation purposes along Drowning Creek-Os.


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Summary

Built in 1955, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 20 feet with a hydraulic height of 16 feet. With a storage capacity of 67 acre-feet, it covers a surface area of 6 acres and boasts a normal storage level of 56 acre-feet. The dam has a low hazard potential and was last assessed to be in fair condition in 2013.

Managed by a private entity, Burkhead Lake Dam #1 undergoes regular state inspections to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam does not fall under state regulation or jurisdiction, but it is equipped with outlet gates and has a maximum discharge capacity of 82 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, the dam has not undergone any significant modifications over the years and does not currently have an Emergency Action Plan in place. With its strategic location and historical significance in the region's irrigation infrastructure, Burkhead Lake Dam #1 remains a vital asset for water resource management in the area.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

570

River Or Stream

Drowning Creek-Os

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

16

Nid Storage

67

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
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.