Buffalo Creek Dam # 4
Key Takeaway
Buffalo Creek Dam # 4 is classified as high hazard in Virginia. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 46 ft (taller than 91.5% in VA) |
| Dam Length | 908 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 5.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 375 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 68 acres |
| Drainage Area | 15 sq mi |
| NID ID | VA147003 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
Piedmont Soil and Water Conservation District;Piedmont Soil and Water Conservation District
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Baker Mountain Tailings Pond Dam
Prince Edward, VA
Low Hazard 54 ftBuffalo Creek Dam # 3
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Significant Hazard 51 ftWells Dam
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Unknown 25 ftBuffalo Creek Dam # 6
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Significant Hazard 38 ftBuffalo Creek Dam # 5
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Significant Hazard 37 ftBuffalo Creek Dam # 2
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Low Hazard 35 ftBuffalo Creek Dam # 7
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Significant Hazard 36 ftBuffalo Creek Dam # 8
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Significant Hazard 38 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Buffalo Creek Dam # 4?
Buffalo Creek Dam # 4 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 Buffalo Creek Dam # 4?
Buffalo Creek Dam # 4 is owned by Piedmont Soil and Water Conservation District;Piedmont Soil and Water Conservation District (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
What is the primary purpose of Buffalo Creek Dam # 4?
Buffalo Creek Dam # 4 serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Buffalo Creek Dam # 4?
Buffalo Creek Dam # 4 has a dam height of 46 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 Buffalo Creek Dam # 4 last inspected?
Buffalo Creek Dam # 4 was last inspected on March 8, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.