Burns Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Burns, located in Pikeville, Tennessee, is a privately owned earth dam on the Sequatchie River within Bledsoe County.


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Summary

Built in 1955, this dam stands at a hydraulic height of 15.2 feet and a structural height of 17.7 feet, with a length of 305 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 56 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 84 acre-feet, Burns plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Despite its age, Burns continues to serve its purpose effectively, with a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. Although not currently rated for its condition, the dam undergoes inspections every five years to ensure its safety and integrity. With an uncontrolled spillway and no outlet gates, Burns remains a vital structure for water management within the Nashville District, providing essential flood control and water storage capabilities for the surrounding area.

As a key component of the water infrastructure in the region, Burns highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring our dams to ensure the safety and security of our water resources. With its strategic location on the Sequatchie River, Burns is a critical asset for managing water flow, flood control, and storage capacity, making it an essential structure for climate and water resource enthusiasts to study and appreciate.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

305

River Or Stream

SEQUATCHIE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9.2

Hydraulic Height

15.2

Drainage Area

0.11

Nid Storage

84

Structural Height

17.7

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

18
       
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.
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