Buffalo Creek Dam # 7 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Buffalo Creek Dam # 7, also known as Lake Gayle or Lake Jimmy Gayle, is a crucial flood risk reduction structure located in Keysville, Virginia.
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Summary
Owned by the local government and regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, this earth dam stands at a height of 36.3 feet with a storage capacity of 623 acre-feet. With a spillway width of 100 feet and uncontrolled spillway type, the dam serves to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding events.
Situated in the headwaters of Buffalo Creek, the dam covers a surface area of 11.9 acres and has a drainage area of 1.97 square miles. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam is currently assessed to be in fair condition with an inspection frequency of once a year. The emergency action plan for Buffalo Creek Dam # 7 was last revised in August 2016, indicating a commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the dam and the community it serves. With its moderate risk assessment rating and strategic risk management measures in place, Buffalo Creek Dam # 7 remains a vital asset in safeguarding the region against potential flood events.
Dam Length |
703 |
Dam Height |
36.3 |
River Or Stream |
Headwaters of Buffalo Creek - VAHU6 JA07 Buffalo Creek - Little Buffalo Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11.9 |
Hydraulic Height |
36.3 |
Drainage Area |
1.97 |
Nid Storage |
623 |
Structural Height |
36.3 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
36 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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 # 7