Buffalo Creek Dam # 3 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Buffalo Creek Dam # 3, also known as Little Creek Lake, is a key flood risk reduction structure located in Farmville, Virginia.
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Summary
Managed by the local government, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 51 feet and spans a length of 504 feet, with a storage capacity of 2018 acre-feet. The dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding, with a spillway width of 100 feet to manage excess water flow.
Despite being categorized as having a significant hazard potential, Buffalo Creek Dam # 3 is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in February 2020. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk management measures are not clearly specified in the available data. With a moderate risk assessment rating, continuous monitoring and maintenance are likely necessary to ensure the dam's effectiveness in mitigating flood risks for the nearby communities along Mud Creek in Prince Edward County.
Overall, Buffalo Creek Dam # 3 stands as a critical infrastructure asset in the region, providing flood protection and water resource management benefits. As climate change impacts continue to pose challenges to water resources, the ongoing maintenance and monitoring of this dam will be essential to safeguarding the surrounding areas from potential flooding events.
Dam Length |
504 |
Dam Height |
51 |
River Or Stream |
Mud Creek - VAHU6 JA06 Spring Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
23.6 |
Hydraulic Height |
51 |
Drainage Area |
6.8 |
Nid Storage |
2018 |
Structural Height |
51 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
51 |
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.
Buffalo Creek Dam # 3