Burgess Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Burgess Lake Dam, located in Whittier, North Carolina, serves as a vital structure for recreational purposes along Cullowhee Creek.


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Summary

Owned privately, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 25 feet with a length of 255 feet, providing a storage capacity of 30 acre-feet. Despite its significant hazard potential, recent inspections have deemed the dam's condition as unsatisfactory, warranting attention to ensure its safety and effectiveness in the long run.

The dam is regulated by the North Carolina Dam Safety Program under the NC Department of Environmental Quality, ensuring that state inspection and enforcement measures are in place. With a history of modifications and regular inspections, Burgess Lake Dam remains a key component in the water resource management of the region. However, its unsatisfactory condition highlights the importance of ongoing risk assessment and management measures to mitigate potential hazards and uphold safety standards for both the dam and surrounding areas.

As enthusiasts of water resources and climate, the significance of Burgess Lake Dam lies not only in its recreational value but also in its role in maintaining water storage and flow control along Cullowhee Creek. With a focus on safety and regulatory compliance, continued monitoring and maintenance will be essential to preserve the dam's functionality and prevent potential risks to the environment and communities downstream.

Dam Length

255

River Or Stream

Cullowhee Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Nid Storage

30

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

25
       
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.