Bush River Dam # 2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bush River Dam # 2, also known as Rice Creek Lake, is a vital water management structure located in Farmville, Virginia.


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Summary

Owned by the local government, this dam plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction for the surrounding area. Designed by the Virginia DCR - Division of Soil and Water Conservation, the dam is classified as an Earth dam with a height of 49.4 feet and a storage capacity of 2245 acre-feet.

With a high hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of March 2020, Bush River Dam # 2 is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, and it is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 100 feet. The dam is situated on Rice Creek and Bush River, serving to protect the local community and infrastructure from potential flooding events.

Despite being non-federally owned, Bush River Dam # 2 is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement. With a moderate risk rating, the dam's emergency action plan was last revised in July 2016. This essential water resource structure stands as a testament to effective local government management and collaboration in ensuring the safety and resilience of the community in the face of water-related challenges.

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

49.4

River Or Stream

Rice Creek - VAHU6 JA11 Bush River - Evans Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

24

Hydraulic Height

49.4

Drainage Area

3.84

Nid Storage

2245

Structural Height

49.4

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

49
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.