Burks Reservoir Report
Nearby: Monterey Lake#1 Monterey Lake #2
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Burks, located in Putnam, Tennessee, is a privately owned Earth dam on Bridge Creek with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
Completed in 2002, this dam stands at a hydraulic height of 25.6 feet and a structural height of 26.6 feet, with a total length of 302 feet. It provides a normal storage capacity of 256 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 282 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 25 acres and draining an area of 0.57 square miles.
Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, Burks has not been rated for its condition assessment. The dam has not been modified since its completion and lacks outlet gates for controlled water release. The last inspection took place in October 2020, with a frequency of every 5 years. In case of emergencies, there is no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared or updated for Burks, leaving room for improvement in risk management measures and guidelines compliance.
With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, Burks presents an intriguing case study for water resource and climate enthusiasts. Its significant hazard potential coupled with the lack of a current condition assessment and emergency preparedness plan raises questions about the dam's resilience in the face of potential challenges. As stakeholders continue to monitor and evaluate Burks, there is an opportunity to enhance risk management measures and ensure the safety and sustainability of this vital water infrastructure.
Year Completed |
2002 |
Dam Length |
302 |
River Or Stream |
BRIDGE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
25 |
Hydraulic Height |
25.6 |
Drainage Area |
0.57 |
Nid Storage |
282 |
Structural Height |
26.6 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Burks