Buffalo Creek Dam # 9 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Buffalo Creek Dam # 9, also known as Hidden Acres Lake or New Hope Lake, is a vital flood risk reduction structure located in Farmville, Virginia.
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Summary
Managed by the local government, this earth dam stands at a height of 41 feet and stretches 585 feet in length, providing a critical storage capacity of 608 acre-feet to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding. With a drainage area of 1.76 square miles, the dam plays a significant role in managing the flow of Carey Creek and Buffalo Creek.
Constructed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Buffalo Creek Dam # 9 boasts a spillway width of 150 feet and can handle a maximum discharge of 6073 cubic feet per second. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the dam's condition is deemed satisfactory based on the latest inspection conducted in April 2021. While the risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk, the dam's emergency action plan and risk management measures have not been detailed, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and preparedness efforts to ensure the safety and resilience of this critical water resource infrastructure.
Dam Length |
585 |
Dam Height |
41 |
River Or Stream |
Carey Creek - VAHU6 JA07 Buffalo Creek - Little Buffalo Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Hydraulic Height |
41 |
Drainage Area |
1.76 |
Nid Storage |
608 |
Structural Height |
41 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
41 |
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 # 9