Slate River Dam #14 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Carter Dam Buckingham County Dam #15
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Slate River Dam #14, located in Buckingham, Virginia, is a crucial structure managed by the local government for flood risk reduction along Ripley Creek.
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Summary
The earth dam stands at a height of 40 feet and stretches 934 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 1695 acre-feet for floodwaters. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam's condition was assessed as fair during the last inspection in October 2019.
Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, Slate River Dam #14 plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. With a drainage area of 7.76 square miles, the dam ensures the safety of the community by regulating the flow of water and providing essential flood risk reduction measures. Although the dam has not been modified in recent years, its inspection frequency is set at 1, highlighting the importance of regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued functionality.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the captivating story of Slate River Dam #14 lies in its vital role in managing flood risk along Ripley Creek in Buckingham, Virginia. With its fair condition assessment and significant hazard potential, the dam stands as a crucial piece of infrastructure designed to protect the community from potential flooding events. Managed by the local government and regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, this earth dam serves as a beacon of resilience in the face of natural disasters, showcasing the importance of sustainable water resource management in the region.
Dam Length |
934 |
Dam Height |
40 |
River Or Stream |
RIPLEY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
26 |
Hydraulic Height |
40 |
Drainage Area |
7.76 |
Nid Storage |
1695 |
Structural Height |
40 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
40 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Slate River Dam #14