Norton Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Cherokee, Alabama, Norton Dam was completed in 1959 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management.


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Summary

The dam, primarily used for recreational activities, has a height of 21 feet and a length of 677 feet, with a storage capacity of 77 acre-feet. Despite being privately owned, Norton Dam falls under the jurisdiction of the Mobile District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated", Norton Dam presents minimal risks to the surrounding area. The dam does not have a designated emergency action plan or updated inundation maps, indicating a potential area for improvement in terms of risk management and emergency preparedness. While inspection frequency is listed as zero, the dam's overall functionality and safety remain intact.

Norton Dam, situated on TR Spring Creek, is a vital water resource in the region, providing essential services for both the local community and wildlife. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the importance of maintaining and updating infrastructure like Norton Dam becomes increasingly crucial in ensuring water security and environmental sustainability in the area.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

677

River Or Stream

TR SPRING CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

21

Nid Storage

77

Structural Height

21

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

21
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.