Buffalo Creek Dam # 4 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Buffalo Creek Dam #4, also known as Spring Creek Lake, is a vital flood risk reduction structure located in Farmville, Virginia.


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Summary

Owned by the local government, this earth dam stands at a height of 46 feet and has a storage capacity of 5,064 acre-feet. With a normal storage level of 375 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 68 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flood events.

Managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Buffalo Creek Dam #4 has a satisfactory condition assessment as of March 2020. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam is regularly inspected to ensure it meets regulatory standards and is in a state of readiness for emergency situations. With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, this structure serves as a key component in the water resource management of Prince Edward County, Virginia.

As a significant water resource infrastructure in the region, Buffalo Creek Dam #4 is a testament to the importance of proactive dam management and maintenance. With its strategic location on Spring Creek and a drainage area of 14.59 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding the community and its assets from potential flooding events. Its continued operation and adherence to regulatory guidelines highlight the commitment to ensuring the safety and stability of water resources in the area.

Dam Length

908

Dam Height

46

River Or Stream

Spring Creek - VAHU6 JA06 Spring Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

68

Hydraulic Height

46

Drainage Area

14.59

Nid Storage

5064

Structural Height

46

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

46
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.