Prince Edward County Dam # 12 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Sterling Lake Dam Bush River Dam # 6
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Prince Edward County Dam #12, located in Farmville, Virginia, serves a crucial role in flood risk reduction in the area.
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Summary
The dam, with a height of 44 feet and a length of 550 feet, controls an unnamed tributary to the Bush River, providing storage of 322.61 acre-feet of water. Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, this earth dam with buttress core types is state-regulated and inspected, ensuring its integrity and safety.
Despite its importance in flood risk management, the condition assessment of Prince Edward County Dam #12 is currently marked as 'Not Rated,' with an undetermined hazard potential. The lack of specific data on its construction year, spillway type, and other key details raises questions about its overall risk management and emergency preparedness. While its normal storage capacity of 183.52 acre-feet and surface area of 12.4 acres are known, there is a need for further evaluation and monitoring to ensure the dam's resilience in the face of potential climate challenges.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts delve deeper into the role of dams like Prince Edward County Dam #12 in mitigating flood risks and managing water resources, there is a call for increased transparency and assessment. The involvement of federal agencies, funding sources, and detailed data on construction, inspections, and risk management measures could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the dam's significance and readiness for future climate-related challenges.
Dam Length |
550 |
Dam Height |
44 |
River Or Stream |
Unnamed tributary to Bush River - VAHU6 JA11 Bush River - Evans Creek |
Surface Area |
12.4 |
Hydraulic Height |
44 |
Drainage Area |
0.17 |
Nid Storage |
322.61 |
Structural Height |
44 |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
44 |
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.
Prince Edward County Dam # 12
County Road 706 Prince Edward County