Burgess Lake Dam

TR-TOWN CREEK· Aiken, South Carolina· Built 1931· 13 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Burgess Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1931 and is 95 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 13 ft (taller than 14.9% in SC)
Max Storage150 acre-ft
Normal Storage117 acre-ft
Surface Area25 acres
Year Completed1931 (95 years old)
NID IDSC01311

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: July 20, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: SC DHEC

Ownership

ALLWIN FARMS ASSOCIATION INC

Private

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Crystal Lakes Lower Dam

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Kings Ridge Dam 4

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Burgess Lake Dam?

Burgess Lake Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Burgess Lake Dam?

Burgess Lake Dam is owned by ALLWIN FARMS ASSOCIATION INC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Burgess Lake Dam built?

Burgess Lake Dam was completed in 1931, making it 95 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 Burgess Lake Dam?

Burgess 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 Burgess Lake Dam?

Burgess Lake Dam has a dam height of 13 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 Burgess Lake Dam last inspected?

Burgess Lake Dam was last inspected on July 20, 2022. 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.