Dam Lake Norconian South Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dam Lake Norconian South, located in Riverside, California, is a federal-owned earth dam constructed by the US Navy in 1928 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

This dam, also known as South Norconian Lake Dam, stands at a height of 15 feet and has a length of 500 feet, with a storage capacity of 453 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the West Norco Channel and is associated with one other structure.

Despite its fair condition assessment, Dam Lake Norconian South poses a high hazard potential and is regularly inspected every three years to ensure its safety. With a high risk assessment rating of 2, emergency action plans may need to be updated to meet guidelines in case of any potential threats to the dam's integrity. The US Navy is responsible for the operation, inspection, and regulatory aspects of this dam, emphasizing the importance of proper risk management measures to mitigate any potential risks associated with its high hazard potential. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Dam Lake Norconian South serves as an intriguing case study in federal dam management and the intersection of recreational usage with infrastructure safety.

Year Completed

1928

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

WEST NORCO CHANNEL

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

45

Nid Storage

453

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
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.