Muddy Creek Dam #1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Muddy Creek Dam #2 Fitzgerald Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Muddy Creek Dam #1, located in Buckingham, Virginia, is a vital piece of infrastructure designed for flood risk reduction along the Muddy Creek.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 40.8 feet and has a storage capacity of 985 acre-feet, providing crucial protection to the surrounding area from potential flooding events. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam is currently in fair condition as of its last assessment in October 2019.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Muddy Creek Dam #1 plays a key role in ensuring the safety and stability of the region. The dam's primary purpose of flood risk reduction is reflected in its design and operational protocols, with state-mandated inspections, permitting, and enforcement in place to guarantee its effectiveness. With a drainage area of 3.05 square miles and a normal storage capacity of 72 acre-feet, the dam serves as a critical line of defense against potential disasters.
As a significant structure in the area, Muddy Creek Dam #1 is a testament to the importance of water resource management and climate resilience. With its strategic location, design, and regulated maintenance practices, the dam stands as a safeguard against flooding events, highlighting the intersection of infrastructure, nature, and public safety in the face of changing climate conditions.
Dam Length |
580 |
Dam Height |
40.8 |
River Or Stream |
MUDDY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
16 |
Hydraulic Height |
40.8 |
Drainage Area |
3.05 |
Nid Storage |
985 |
Structural Height |
40.8 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
41 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Slate River Near Arvonia
|
68cfs |
James River At Scottsville
|
1470cfs |
Hardware River Bl Briery Run Nr Scottsville
|
52cfs |
Holiday Creek Near Andersonville
|
2cfs |
James River At Bent Creek
|
1290cfs |
Rivanna River At Palmyra
|
175cfs |
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.
Muddy Creek Dam #1