Burns

Burns is an earth dam located in Napa County, California, built in 1956. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Burns

The primary purpose of Burns is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Buckman Vineyards Llc (private). It impounds the Tri Swartz Cr.

The dam stands 39 feet tall and stretches 480 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 5 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 62 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1956, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.

This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 11/04/2025.

At 39 feet, this dam is taller than 86% of dams nationwide.

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Significant HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateCalifornia
CountyNapa
River/StreamTri Swartz Cr
Coordinates38.64760, -122.49050

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height39 ft
Dam Height39 ft
Dam Length480 ft
Year Completed1956 (70 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage62 acre-ft
Max Storage62 acre-ft
Surface Area5 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi

Ownership & Safety

PurposeWater Supply
OwnerBuckman Vineyards LLC
Owner TypePrivate
Hazard ClassificationSignificant
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection11/04/2025
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDCA00986
Federal IDCA00986
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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