Buffalo River Dam # 4a
Key Takeaway
Buffalo River Dam # 4a is classified as high hazard in Virginia. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 64 ft (taller than 96.2% in VA) |
| Dam Length | 400 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 5.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.9K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 194 acres |
| Drainage Area | 8 sq mi |
| NID ID | VA009024 |
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
Amherst County Department of Public Works;County of Amherst
Local Government
Nearby Dams
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Unknown 26 ftBuffalo River Dam # 3
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High Hazard 60 ftWinton Country Club Dam
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Significant Hazard 31 ftBuffalo River Dam # 2
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High Hazard 71 ftMays Dam
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Unknown 24 ftTusculum Dam
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Significant Hazard 25 ftAmherst County Dam # 2
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Unknown 31 ftNelson County Dam #8
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Unknown 23 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Buffalo River Dam # 4a?
Buffalo River Dam # 4a 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 River Dam # 4a?
Buffalo River Dam # 4a is owned by Amherst County Department of Public Works;County of Amherst (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
What is the primary purpose of Buffalo River Dam # 4a?
Buffalo River Dam # 4a serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Buffalo River Dam # 4a?
Buffalo River Dam # 4a has a dam height of 64 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 River Dam # 4a last inspected?
Buffalo River Dam # 4a was last inspected on April 29, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.