Norway Lake dam
Norway Lake
Norway Lake, located in Oxford, Maine, is a stunning water resource managed by the local government for recreational purposes. The dam, completed in 1930, stands at a height of 16 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 5688 acre-feet. With a surface area of 922 acres and a drainage area of 36 square miles, the lake provides ample opportunities for fishing, wildlife observation, and water-based activities.
The dam at Norway Lake, primarily constructed of stone, serves as a vital structure for maintaining the lake's water levels and ensuring a stable environment for aquatic life. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the dam is currently in fair condition as of the last inspection in 2015. With a spillway width of 30 feet and a hydraulic height of 12 feet, the dam is well-equipped to handle excess water and maintain the lake's normal storage capacity of 5200 acre-feet.
Water enthusiasts and climate advocates alike can appreciate Norway Lake for its role in providing a recreational oasis in the heart of Maine. As a state-regulated water source with a focus on conservation and water supply, Norway Lake stands as a testament to the importance of responsible water management and environmental stewardship in the face of changing climate conditions.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Norway Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Little Androscoggin River Near South Paris | 149 cfs | → |
| Nezinscot River At Turner Center | 43 cfs | → |
| Androscoggin River Near Auburn | 8,740 cfs | → |
| Androscoggin River At Rumford | 5,730 cfs | → |
| Wild River At Gilead | 194 cfs | → |
| Ellis River At South Andover | 318 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Norway Lake.
Boat launches
- Singepole Trail Paris
- Pismo Beach Road 38, Oxford
- Norway Road Harrison
- Rowe Hill Road Woodstock
- Power House Road, Bridgton
- Turner Road Auburn
Campgrounds
- Dunn's Campground
- Community Room
- Seeds Of Peace Camp
- Salmon Point City Campground
- Hoop Basketball Camp
- Crocker Pond Campground
More reservoirs
Track Norway Lake in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Norway Lake
Where does the data for Norway Lake come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Significant hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Norway Lake.