Tom Norton Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mccoll Pond Dam Beaverdam Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Tom Norton Dam, located in Dillon, South Carolina, serves as a crucial structure for fish and wildlife conservation, as well as recreational activities.
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Summary
Completed in 1998, this private-owned Earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet with a length of 610 feet, providing a storage capacity of 117 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is to maintain a Fish and Wildlife Pond, offering a surface area of 9 acres for various outdoor activities.
Maintained by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Tom Norton Dam is regulated by state authorities and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. With a hazard potential rated as significant and a fair condition assessment as of November 2017, the dam is equipped with emergency action plans to mitigate risks and ensure public safety. The surrounding area, including the Little Pee Dee River, benefits from the dam's water storage capabilities, enhancing the local ecosystem and providing a recreational oasis for visitors.
Tom Norton Dam, nestled in the picturesque landscape of Dillon, South Carolina, plays a pivotal role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts. As a vital component of the state's infrastructure, this Earth dam continues to support environmental conservation and outdoor recreation, reflecting a harmonious balance between human development and nature preservation. With a commitment to safety and sustainability, the dam stands as a testament to the importance of responsible water management in a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1998 |
Dam Length |
610 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LITTLE PEE DEE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Nid Storage |
117 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Big Shoe Heel Creek Nr Laurinburg
|
64cfs |
Lumber River Near Maxton
|
273cfs |
Pee Dee River At Peedee
|
2890cfs |
Pee Dee River Nr Bennettsville
|
2400cfs |
Lumber River At Lumberton
|
442cfs |
Pee Dee River Below Pee Dee
|
2860cfs |
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.
Tom Norton Dam