Camp Burgiss Glen Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Camp Burgiss Glen Lake Dam, located in Penrose, North Carolina, is a privately owned earth dam on Walker Creek with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam stands at a hydraulic height of 23 feet and a structural height of 30 feet, with a length of 257 feet. It has a storage capacity of 24 acre-feet, with a surface area of 2 acres. The dam is regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, and it has been inspected and deemed to have a significant hazard potential and fair condition as of the last assessment in 2014.

The dam, nestled in the picturesque Transylvania County, poses a significant hazard potential due to its design and structural features. Despite its fair condition, the dam remains a popular spot for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking around the scenic Glen Lake. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in 2015, and it meets regulatory guidelines for ensuring public safety in the event of a catastrophic failure.

With its serene surroundings and recreational opportunities, Camp Burgiss Glen Lake Dam serves as a vital water resource for the local community while also highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring of dams to ensure public safety and environmental protection. This dam stands as a reminder of the delicate balance between human enjoyment of natural resources and the need for responsible stewardship to safeguard our waterways and ecosystems.

Dam Length

257

River Or Stream

Walker Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

23

Nid Storage

24

Structural Height

30

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

30
       
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.