Buffalo River Dam # 4a Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Buffalo River Dam # 4a, also known as Mill Creek Dam, is a crucial water supply structure located in Amherst, Virginia.
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Summary
Owned by the local government, this earth dam stands at an impressive height of 63.9 feet, with a storage capacity of 5,184 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is to provide water supply, serving the surrounding area and ensuring a reliable source of water for the community.
Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, Buffalo River Dam # 4a is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the dam is currently in fair condition as of the last assessment in October 2019. With a drainage area of 8.27 square miles and a surface area of 194 acres, this dam plays a critical role in water resource management in the region.
As an essential infrastructure for water supply, Buffalo River Dam # 4a is a key component of the local water management system, providing storage and regulation for Mill Creek. With its significant height and storage capacity, this dam serves as a vital resource for the community and underscores the importance of proper maintenance and regulation to ensure its continued functionality and safety for years to come.
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
63.9 |
River Or Stream |
MILL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
194 |
Hydraulic Height |
63.9 |
Drainage Area |
8.27 |
Nid Storage |
5184 |
Structural Height |
63.9 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
64 |
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 |
James River At Bent Creek
|
1120cfs |
Maury River Near Buena Vista
|
131cfs |
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 # 4a