Burningtown Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Burningtown Lake Dam in Macon, North Carolina, is a picturesque Earth dam built in 1970 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Nestled along Daves Creek, this dam boasts a hydraulic height of 28.7 feet and a structural height of 35 feet, creating a serene 4-acre surface area for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. Despite its fair condition assessment as of November 2018, the dam poses a high hazard potential, prompting biennial inspections to ensure public safety.

Managed by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, Burningtown Lake Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to uphold stringent safety standards. With a maximum storage capacity of 56 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 31 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management within its 85-acre drainage area. While the dam's last inspection in November 2018 revealed its fair condition, ongoing monitoring and risk assessment measures are essential to mitigate potential hazards and safeguard the surrounding community in Stiles.

In the event of an emergency, the dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) remains crucial for effective response and communication. While the EAP was last revised in June 2011, it is imperative that the plan meets established guidelines and is regularly updated to align with current risk assessments and management measures. As Burningtown Lake Dam continues to serve as a vital recreational and water resource asset, proactive maintenance and emergency preparedness efforts are paramount to ensure the dam's safe operation and protect the local environment and residents from potential risks.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

278

River Or Stream

Daves Creek

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

28.7

Drainage Area

85

Nid Storage

56

Structural Height

35

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

35
       
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.