Burns Lake Reservoir Report
Nearby: Clear Creek Lewisburg Reservoir
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Burns Lake, located in Marshall, Tennessee, is a private fish and wildlife pond managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Built in 1965 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 19.7 feet and a structural height of 24.7 feet, serving primarily for fire protection and stock purposes in addition to its main function as a fish and wildlife habitat. With a storage capacity of 27 acre-feet and a surface area of 2 acres, Burns Lake plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem, supporting diverse aquatic wildlife in the South Fork Blue Creek watershed.
Despite being a privately owned structure, Burns Lake has a significant hazard potential due to its condition being unrated and its location in a moderate risk zone. The dam has not been inspected since August 2017, with a scheduled inspection frequency of every 5 years. Being unregulated by the state and lacking a formal emergency action plan, there are potential risks associated with the dam's operation and maintenance. With the nearest city being Blue Creek and the dam situated in the Nashville District, there is a need for increased monitoring and risk management measures to ensure the safety and sustainability of Burns Lake for both aquatic wildlife and the surrounding community.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
632 |
River Or Stream |
SOUTH FORK BLUE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Hydraulic Height |
19.7 |
Drainage Area |
0.08 |
Nid Storage |
27 |
Structural Height |
24.7 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Fountain Creek Near Fountain Heights
|
3cfs |
Big Rock Cr At Double Bridges
|
3cfs |
Cane Creek Near Howell
|
0cfs |
Duck River Above Milltown
|
627cfs |
Duck River At Columbia
|
785cfs |
Elk River At Prospect
|
2470cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Burns Lake