Burson Dam 1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Burson Dam 2 Burson Dam 3
Last Updated: December 29, 2025
Burson Dam 1, located in Briscoe County, Texas, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1963.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 25 feet and stretching 286 feet in length, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and creating a small fish pond. With a storage capacity of 68 acre-feet, Burson Dam 1 plays a crucial role in water resource management for the surrounding area.
Despite its age, the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, indicating a potential need for further evaluation and maintenance. While the hazard potential is not available, the risk assessment suggests a high risk level. With no spillway and limited information on its structural integrity, the dam presents challenges for emergency management and risk mitigation. Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find interest in exploring the history and management of Burson Dam 1, as well as advocating for improved safety measures and monitoring protocols to ensure its continued functionality and safety for the community.
As part of the Fort Worth District, Burson Dam 1's design and construction were overseen by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The dam's primary purpose of providing water for fire protection and livestock highlights its importance in supporting agricultural activities in the region. While the dam has not been inspected recently and lacks an Emergency Action Plan (EAP), its presence on the Little Red River watershed underscores its significance in maintaining ecological balance and water supply for the local ecosystem. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the role that Burson Dam 1 plays in sustaining the environment and supporting human livelihoods in the area.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
286 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LITTLE RED RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
0.69 |
Nid Storage |
68 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Not Available |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
25 |
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.
Burson Dam 1