Buck Spillway Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Buck Spillway, located in Austinville, Virginia, is a key infrastructure managed by a public utility agency for hydroelectric power generation and recreation purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1912, this multi-arch spillway stands at a height of 45 feet, with a hydraulic height of 42.5 feet and a dam length of 1158 feet. With a capacity of 708 acre-feet, it serves a drainage area of 1320 acres and can discharge up to 430,000 cubic feet of water per second.

This controlled spillway, with a width of 937 feet, has a high hazard potential and is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Despite its age, the condition assessment of Buck Spillway is currently not available. Emergency action plans have been prepared and updated, with a risk assessment rating it as very high (1). While the spillway's risk management measures are not specified in the data, its strategic location and design make it a critical asset for water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

As a pivotal component of the water infrastructure in Carroll County, Virginia, Buck Spillway plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks, ensuring water supply, and generating clean energy. Its historic significance, combined with its ongoing regulatory oversight and emergency preparedness measures, underscores the importance of maintaining and monitoring this essential structure for the sustainable management of water resources and climate adaptation efforts in the area.

Year Completed

1912

Dam Length

1158

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

New

Surface Area

68

Hydraulic Height

42.5

Drainage Area

1320

Nid Storage

708

Structural Height

45

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

45
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.