Buffalo Creek Dam #8 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Buffalo Creek Dam #8, also known as Carey Creek Lake or Lake Abilene, is a crucial flood risk reduction structure located in Keysville, Virginia.
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Summary
Owned and regulated by the local government, the dam serves the purpose of mitigating potential flooding in the area. Standing at a height of 37.6 feet with a storage capacity of 619 acre-feet, this earth dam plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding communities from the dangers of excessive water flow.
Situated along the Carey Creek and Buffalo Creek tributaries, the dam covers a drainage area of 2.29 square miles and has a surface area of 20 acres. Despite its significant hazard potential, Buffalo Creek Dam #8 has been assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in March 2020. With state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place, the Department of Conservation and Recreation oversees the operations and maintenance of this essential water resource infrastructure.
As a key component in the flood risk reduction strategy for Prince Edward County, Buffalo Creek Dam #8 stands as a testament to the importance of proactive water resource management in the face of increasingly unpredictable climate patterns. Its role in safeguarding the local community from potential inundation highlights the critical need for continued monitoring and investment in sustainable infrastructure to address the challenges posed by a changing climate on water resources.
Dam Length |
684 |
Dam Height |
37.6 |
River Or Stream |
Carey Creek - VAHU6 JA07 Buffalo Creek - Little Buffalo Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
20 |
Hydraulic Height |
37.6 |
Drainage Area |
2.29 |
Nid Storage |
619 |
Structural Height |
37.6 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
38 |
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 #8