Burns Lake Dam

LUCKY SHOALS CREEK· Gwinnett, Georgia· Built 1965· Earth· 25 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Burns Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Georgia. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 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 25 ft (taller than 58.1% in GA)
Dam Length450 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage126 acre-ft
Normal Storage67 acre-ft
Surface Area10 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Year Completed1965 (61 years old)
NID IDGA01332

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: June 2, 2016
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: GA-SAFE DAMS PROGRAM

Ownership

Burns Golf Course LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Burns Lake Dam?

Burns 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 Burns Lake Dam?

Burns Lake Dam is owned by Burns Golf Course LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Burns Lake Dam built?

Burns Lake Dam was completed in 1965, making it 61 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 Burns Lake Dam?

Burns 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 Burns Lake Dam?

Burns Lake Dam has a dam height of 25 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 Burns Lake Dam last inspected?

Burns Lake Dam was last inspected on June 2, 2016. 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.