Norton Dam

TR-KEOWEE RIVER· Pickens, South Carolina· Built 1952· 29 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Norton Dam is classified as high hazard in South Carolina. It was completed in 1952 and is 74 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 29 ft (taller than 77.1% in SC)
Max Storage158 acre-ft
Normal Storage110 acre-ft
Surface Area12 acres
Year Completed1952 (74 years old)
NID IDSC00708

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: July 29, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: SC DHEC

Ownership

SPRING LAKE CORPORATION OF SIX MILE

Private

Nearby Dams

Carl Newton Dam

Pickens, SC

Low Hazard 27 ft

Keowee River Club Dam

Pickens, SC

Significant Hazard 63 ft

Keasler Pond Dam

Pickens, SC

High Hazard 33 ft

Lake Diana Dam

Pickens, SC

High Hazard 22 ft

Lake Calton Dam

Pickens, SC

High Hazard 39 ft

Keowee

Oconee, SC

High Hazard 170 ft

Praters Creek Dam

Pickens, SC

High Hazard 49 ft

Mcjunkins Pond Dam

Pickens, SC

Low Hazard 32 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Norton Dam?

Norton Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Norton Dam?

Norton Dam is owned by SPRING LAKE CORPORATION OF SIX MILE (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Norton Dam built?

Norton Dam was completed in 1952, making it 74 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Norton Dam?

Norton Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Norton Dam?

Norton Dam has a dam height of 29 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Norton Dam last inspected?

Norton Dam was last inspected on July 29, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.