Norton

PRAIRIE DOG CREEK· Norton, Kansas· Built 1963· Earth· 131 ft tall
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Irrigation Recreation Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Norton is classified as high hazard in Kansas. It was completed in 1963 and is 63 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 131 ft (taller than 99.9% in KS)
Dam Length6,450 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage193.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage35.9K acre-ft
Surface Area6,551 acres
Drainage Area712 sq mi
Max Discharge94,600 cfs
Year Completed1963 (63 years old)
NID IDKS00024

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: Yes
Last Inspection: April 6, 2020
State Regulated: No

Ownership

RECLAMATION

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Norton?

Norton 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?

Norton is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Norton built?

Norton was completed in 1963, making it 63 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?

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

How tall is Norton?

Norton has a dam height of 131 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 last inspected?

Norton was last inspected on April 6, 2020. 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.