Burchard Lake Dam

TR-TURKEY CREEK· Pawnee, Nebraska· Built 1959· Earth· 45 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Burchard Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Nebraska. It was completed in 1959 and is 67 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 45 ft (taller than 94.4% in NE)
Dam Length1,065 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage3.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.8K acre-ft
Surface Area144 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Max Discharge2,255 cfs
Year Completed1959 (67 years old)
Year Modified2012
NID IDNE00760

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: November 9, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NE DNR

Ownership

Nebraska Game & Parks Commission

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Burchard Lake Dam?

Burchard Lake Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Burchard Lake Dam?

Burchard Lake Dam is owned by Nebraska Game & Parks Commission (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Burchard Lake Dam built?

Burchard Lake Dam was completed in 1959, making it 67 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Burchard Lake Dam?

Burchard Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Burchard Lake Dam?

Burchard Lake Dam has a dam height of 45 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Burchard Lake Dam last inspected?

Burchard Lake Dam was last inspected on November 9, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.