Buck Spillway
Buck Spillway is a dam located in Carroll County, Virginia, built in 1912. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Buck Spillway
The primary purpose of Buck Spillway is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Appalachian Power Company (public utility). It impounds the New near Austinville.
The dam stands 45 feet tall and stretches 1,158 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 68 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 708 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1,320 square miles. Completed in 1912, the structure is over a century 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 08/24/2021.
At 45 feet, this dam is taller than 91% of dams nationwide.
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 | Carroll |
| Nearest City | Austinville |
| River/Stream | New |
| Coordinates | 36.80640, -80.93370 |
Physical Characteristics
| NID Height | 45 ft |
| Dam Height | 30 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,158 ft |
| Year Completed | 1912 (114 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 708 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 708 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 708 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 68 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,320 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 430,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Appalachian Power Company |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/24/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | VA035002 |
| Federal ID | VA035002S001 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |