Slate River Dam #8 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Slate River Dam #8, also known as Coffey Dam, is a crucial structure located in Buckingham, Virginia, designed for flood risk reduction along Grease Creek.
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Summary
Owned by the local government, this earth dam stands at a height of 50.1 feet and has a storage capacity of 2552 acre-feet, serving the primary purpose of flood risk reduction in the area. The dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.
With a hazard potential rated as high and a fair condition assessment as of October 2019, Slate River Dam #8 plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. Although the dam has not been modified in recent years, regular inspections are conducted to assess its structural integrity and safety. While no specific spillway type or maximum discharge information is provided, the dam's strategic location and design contribute to its effectiveness in managing water flow and reducing flood risks in the region.
As an essential component of water resource management in Buckingham, Virginia, Slate River Dam #8 serves as a critical infrastructure for flood risk reduction along Grease Creek. With its significant storage capacity and state-regulated operation, this earth dam plays a key role in safeguarding the local community and surrounding areas from potential flooding events, highlighting the importance of proactive maintenance and monitoring to ensure its continued effectiveness in mitigating flood risks.
Dam Length |
819 |
Dam Height |
50.1 |
River Or Stream |
GREASE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
37 |
Hydraulic Height |
50.1 |
Drainage Area |
11.44 |
Nid Storage |
2552 |
Structural Height |
50.1 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
50 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Holiday Creek Near Andersonville
|
2cfs |
James River At Bent Creek
|
1290cfs |
Buffalo Creek Near Hampden Sydney
|
26cfs |
Appomattox River At Farmville
|
132cfs |
Slate River Near Arvonia
|
68cfs |
James River At Scottsville
|
1470cfs |
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 #8
State Park Road 2618, Appomattox County
Upland Hardwood Natural Area
Holiday Creek Natural Area
Chestnut Ridge Natural Area
Holliday Lake State Park
James River State Park