Burlington Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Burlington, also known as Echo Lake, is a gravity dam located in Racine, Wisconsin, that serves as a recreational area for water resource and climate enthusiasts.


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Summary

Constructed in 1934, this dam has a height of 10 feet and a storage capacity of 450 acre-feet, with a normal storage capacity of 130 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the White River, within the Chicago District, and is regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

With a significant hazard potential and a fair condition assessment as of November 2017, Burlington's dam is in need of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its safety. The spillway of the dam is controlled with a width of 262 feet, and it has a maximum discharge capacity of 5,516 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, Burlington continues to be a popular spot for recreation, offering a surface area of 100 acres and a drainage area of 284 square miles for visitors to enjoy.

As a key recreational site in the area, Burlington provides both leisure and educational opportunities for those interested in water resource management and climate conservation. Its rich history and impressive infrastructure make it a unique destination for enthusiasts looking to explore the intersection of water resources and climate science in a picturesque setting along the White River.

Year Completed

1934

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

WHITE

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

100

Hydraulic Height

6

Drainage Area

284

Nid Storage

450

Structural Height

10

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

10
       
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.