Norton Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Norton Dam, also known as Bald Knob Dam, is a Federal-owned structure located in White County, Arkansas, along Overflow Creek.


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Summary

Constructed in 2003 by Ducks Unlimited, Inc., this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 17 feet with a structural height of 21 feet and a length of 313 feet. Its primary purpose is to serve as a Fish and Wildlife Pond, with a storage capacity of 31,014 acre-feet and a drainage area of 56.6 square miles.

Managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service, Norton Dam plays a crucial role in providing irrigation water as well as maintaining a habitat for fish and wildlife in the area. The dam has a low hazard potential and is assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in August 2016. Equipped with Other Controlled and Slide outlet gates, Norton Dam serves as a vital resource for supporting the ecological balance in the region.

Despite being a relatively newer structure, Norton Dam has already become an integral part of the local ecosystem, offering conservation benefits and water management capabilities for the surrounding area. As a key component of the Fish and Wildlife Service's operations, this dam exemplifies the importance of sustainable practices in water resource management and climate adaptation efforts.

Year Completed

2003

Dam Length

313

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

Overflow Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

108

Hydraulic Height

17

Drainage Area

56.6

Nid Storage

31014

Structural Height

21

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled, Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

21
       
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.