Bush River Dam # 12
Bush River Dam # 12 is an earth dam located in Prince Edward County, Virginia, built in 1983. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Bush River Dam # 12
The primary purpose of Bush River Dam # 12 is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Prince Edward County (local government). It impounds the Sandy River - Vahu6 Ja14 Bush River - Sandy River near Farmville.
The dam stands 62 feet tall and stretches 1,880 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 740 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 38,534 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 36 square miles. Completed in 1983, the structure is 43 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 04/12/2019.
At 62 feet, this dam is taller than 95% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Virginia dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Virginia |
| County | Prince Edward |
| Nearest City | Farmville |
| River/Stream | Sandy River - Vahu6 Ja14 Bush River - Sandy River |
| Coordinates | 37.26010, -78.31700 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 62 ft |
| Dam Height | 62 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,880 ft |
| Year Completed | 1983 (43 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 38,534 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 38,534 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 11,530 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 740 acres |
| Drainage Area | 36 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 41,500 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | Prince Edward County |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 04/12/2019 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | VA147035 |
| Federal ID | VA147035 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |