Burnett Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Burnett Lake Dam, located in Wichita, Texas, was completed in 1968 and stands at a height of 18 feet with a length of 320 feet.


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Summary

This private-owned earth dam serves multiple purposes including tailings storage and has a storage capacity of 130 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the TR-S FK BUFFALO CREEK and is regulated by the state with permitting and inspection requirements in place.

Despite its modest size, Burnett Lake Dam poses a high risk with a hazard potential that is not available and a risk assessment rating of 2. The dam does not have a spillway and is equipped with only one outlet gate. The condition of the dam is currently not rated, and there is no emergency action plan in place. With its foundation type listed as Unlisted/Unknown, the dam's risk management measures are also not specified.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Burnett Lake Dam offers an intriguing case study in dam management and risk assessment. With its unique design as an earth dam with buttress core, the dam presents challenges in ensuring its safety and stability. The lack of detailed information on the dam's condition, emergency preparedness, and risk management highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and maintenance for critical infrastructure like dams in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

320

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

TR-S FK BUFFALO CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

130

Structural Height

18

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

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.