Burnside Drive Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Burnside Drive Dam, located in Wake County, North Carolina, plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction along the Middle Creek.


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Summary

With a hydraulic height of 10 feet and a structural height of 19.2 feet, this earth dam spans 270 feet and has a storage capacity of 12 acre-feet. The dam is state-regulated by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement of safety measures to protect surrounding communities.

Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, Burnside Drive Dam is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of January 2021. The dam serves multiple purposes, including flood risk reduction, creating a fish and wildlife pond, and providing recreational opportunities for the local community. It is an essential piece of infrastructure designed to safeguard against potential flooding events while also supporting ecosystem health and public enjoyment of the surrounding area.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is important to recognize the significance of dams like Burnside Drive in managing water resources and mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events. By understanding the regulatory oversight, structural characteristics, and purpose of such infrastructure, we can appreciate the vital role they play in safeguarding communities, promoting environmental conservation, and enhancing community resilience in the face of a changing climate.

Dam Length

270

River Or Stream

Middle Creek

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

10

Nid Storage

12

Structural Height

19.2

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

19
       
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.