Burkette Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Burkette Lake Dam, located in York, South Carolina, was completed in 1970 and serves as a crucial recreational resource for the local community.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 19 feet and with a length of 715 feet, the earth dam holds a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 40 acre-feet. The dam is situated on TR-NEELYS CREEK and is owned and regulated by a private entity, with oversight from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Despite its recreational significance, Burkette Lake Dam faces some challenges. A recent inspection in March 2019 rated the dam's condition as poor, with a significant hazard potential. The dam is in need of assessment and maintenance to ensure its safety and functionality in the face of potential climate impacts. While the dam lacks certain features such as spillways and outlet gates, its critical role in providing recreational opportunities underscores the importance of addressing its structural deficiencies.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to monitor and advocate for the maintenance and improvement of dams like Burkette Lake Dam. By working towards enhancing the resilience of these structures, we can ensure the safety of communities and the sustainability of water resources in the face of a changing climate. Burkette Lake Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of human activity and environmental stewardship, highlighting the need for proactive measures to safeguard our water infrastructure for future generations.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

715

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

TR-NEELYS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Nid Storage

65

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

19
       
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.