Buffalo Creek Dam # 5 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Buffalo Creek Dam # 5, also known as Buffalo Creek Lake, is a vital infrastructure located in Farmville, Virginia, owned and regulated by the local government.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 37 feet and has a length of 790 feet, providing flood risk reduction for the surrounding area. With a storage capacity of 1350 acre-feet and a drainage area of 3.66 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in protecting the community from potential flooding events.
The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 125 feet, allowing for the safe release of excess water during high-flow events. Despite its fair condition assessment as of February 2020, the dam poses a significant hazard potential, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and maintenance. The risk assessment for Buffalo Creek Dam # 5 is moderate, highlighting the need for effective risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the engineering and design efforts put into Buffalo Creek Dam # 5 by the Virginia DCR - Division of Soil and Water Conservation. Its role in flood risk reduction, combined with its strategic location along the Morris Branch of Buffalo Creek, makes it a key component of water management in Prince Edward County, Virginia. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns and increase the frequency of extreme events, the importance of dams like Buffalo Creek Dam # 5 in safeguarding communities against flooding becomes more significant than ever.
Dam Length |
790 |
Dam Height |
37 |
River Or Stream |
Morris Branch of Buffalo Creek - VAHU6 JA07 Buffalo Creek - Little Buffalo Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
20 |
Drainage Area |
3.66 |
Nid Storage |
1350 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
37 |
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 # 5