Buffalo River Dam # 2 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mays Dam Buffalo River Dam # 3
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Buffalo River Dam # 2, also known as Thrashers Creek Dam, is a crucial water management structure in Amherst, Virginia, owned by the local government.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 71 feet and stretches 830 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 2562 acre-feet. The primary purpose of this dam is flood risk reduction, serving to protect the surrounding area from potential water overflow during heavy rain events.
Located on Thrashers Creek, this dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, ensuring that it meets all necessary safety and inspection requirements. With a high hazard potential, Buffalo River Dam # 2 has been assessed as satisfactory in its condition as of October 2019. The dam is equipped with emergency action plans and has been inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and readiness to respond to any potential risks or emergencies.
Climate and water resource enthusiasts will appreciate the critical role that Buffalo River Dam # 2 plays in managing flood risk and protecting the local community in Amherst, Virginia. As a key infrastructure asset, this dam underscores the importance of proactive maintenance and monitoring to ensure its continued effectiveness in safeguarding against potential water-related hazards.
Dam Length |
830 |
Dam Height |
71 |
River Or Stream |
THRASHERS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
36 |
Hydraulic Height |
71 |
Drainage Area |
6.8 |
Nid Storage |
2562 |
Structural Height |
71 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
71 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Piney River At Piney River
|
26cfs |
Pedlar River At Forest Road Near Buena Vista
|
12cfs |
Tye River Near Lovingston
|
34cfs |
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 # 2