Burns Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Burns Reservoir Thompson Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Burns Reservoir Dam, located in Frio County, Texas, was completed in 1949 and stands at a height of 13 feet.
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Summary
The dam serves multiple purposes, with a primary focus on storage, holding a maximum of 1525 acre-feet of water. While the dam is privately owned, it is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and undergoes regular inspections, enforcement, and permitting processes to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Despite its age and high hazard potential, as classified by the Dam Safety Action Classification system, Burns Reservoir Dam remains in satisfactory condition with a risk assessment of "High (2)". The dam features an earth core with a buttress structure and lacks a spillway system. With no associated structures or locks, the dam utilizes a single outlet gate for water release. While the last inspection was conducted in 1975, the dam's risk management measures, emergency action plan, and inundation maps remain unspecified, highlighting the need for updated safety protocols and preparedness in the event of an emergency. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Burns Reservoir Dam presents an intriguing case study on the management and maintenance of aging infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions and regulatory standards.
Year Completed |
1949 |
Dam Length |
4000 |
Dam Height |
13 |
River Or Stream |
MARTIN BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
13 |
Nid Storage |
1525 |
Structural Height |
13 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
13 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Frio Rv Nr Derby
|
0cfs |
Nueces Rv At Cotulla
|
0cfs |
San Miguel Ck Nr Tilden
|
0cfs |
Frio Rv At Tilden
|
1cfs |
Nueces Rv Nr Asherton
|
0cfs |
Nueces Rv Nr Tilden
|
0cfs |
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 Reservoir Dam