Buffalo River Dam # 3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Buffalo River Dam # 2 Mays Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Buffalo River Dam # 3, also known as Stone House Lake Dam, is a crucial piece of infrastructure located in Amherst, Virginia.
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Summary
Owned by the local government, this dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Stonehouse Creek. Standing at a height of 60 feet and stretching 500 feet in length, this earth dam has a storage capacity of 2,474 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 374 acre-feet.
Maintained and regulated by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Buffalo River Dam # 3 has been deemed to have a high hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition as of its last inspection in October 2019. With a drainage area of 5 square miles and a surface area of 41 acres, this dam plays a vital role in managing water flow and protecting downstream communities from potential flooding events. Despite not being under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps of Engineers, the dam is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its continued safety and functionality.
Buffalo River Dam # 3 stands as a critical asset in the region's water resource management efforts, providing essential flood protection along the Stonehouse Creek. With its significant storage capacity and strategic location in Amherst, Virginia, this earth dam plays a crucial role in reducing flood risks for local communities. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns and water resources, the proper maintenance and regulation of dams like Buffalo River Dam # 3 are essential in safeguarding against potential flooding events and ensuring the safety of surrounding areas.
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
60 |
River Or Stream |
STONEHOUSE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
41 |
Hydraulic Height |
60 |
Drainage Area |
5 |
Nid Storage |
2474 |
Structural Height |
60 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
60 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Piney River At Piney River
|
26cfs |
Tye River Near Lovingston
|
34cfs |
Pedlar River At Forest Road Near Buena Vista
|
12cfs |
James River At Holcomb Rock
|
935cfs |
Maury River Near Buena Vista
|
131cfs |
James River At Bent Creek
|
1120cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Buffalo River Dam # 3