Norton Commons Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Norton Commons Dam, located in Louisville, Kentucky, was completed in 2002 by SABAK, WILSON & LINGO, INC.
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Summary
This privately owned earth dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction in Jefferson County. With a height of 16 feet and a length of 240 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 39 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 9 acre-feet and a surface area of 2.4 acres. The dam is regulated by the KY Division of Water and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.
Despite its high hazard potential and poor condition assessment in 2016, Norton Commons Dam continues to provide critical flood risk reduction for the surrounding area. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and is situated within a drainage area of 0.12 square miles. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, its risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts to mitigate potential hazards. In the event of an emergency, the dam is equipped with an emergency action plan (EAP) to guide response and evacuation procedures.
Overall, Norton Commons Dam stands as a vital infrastructure asset in the region, protecting against flooding and ensuring the safety of nearby communities. As climate change poses increasing challenges to water resource management, the maintenance and upkeep of dams like Norton Commons are essential to safeguarding against the impacts of extreme weather events. With proper oversight and adherence to regulatory requirements, Norton Commons Dam will continue to play a crucial role in flood risk reduction efforts in Jefferson County.
Year Completed |
2002 |
Dam Length |
240 |
Dam Height |
16 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2.4 |
Drainage Area |
0.12 |
Nid Storage |
39 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
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