Bush River Dam # 12
Key Takeaway
Bush River Dam # 12 is classified as high hazard in Virginia. It was completed in 1983 and is 43 years old. 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 | 62 ft (taller than 96% in VA) |
| Dam Length | 1,880 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 38.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 11.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 740 acres |
| Drainage Area | 37 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 41,500 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1983 (43 years old) |
| NID ID | VA147035 |
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
Prince Edward County
Local Government
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What is the hazard classification of Bush River Dam # 12?
Bush River Dam # 12 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 Bush River Dam # 12?
Bush River Dam # 12 is owned by Prince Edward County (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Bush River Dam # 12 built?
Bush River Dam # 12 was completed in 1983, making it 43 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 Bush River Dam # 12?
Bush River Dam # 12 serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Bush River Dam # 12?
Bush River Dam # 12 has a dam height of 62 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 Bush River Dam # 12 last inspected?
Bush River Dam # 12 was last inspected on April 12, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.