Norton Reservoir Dam

RUMFORD RIVER· Bristol, Massachusetts· Rockfill· 17 ft tall

High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Norton Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. 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	17 ft (taller than 60.3% in MA)
Dam Length	380 ft
Dam Type	Rockfill
Max Storage	6.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage	3.6K acre-ft

Surface Area	560 acres
Drainage Area	20 sq mi
NID ID	MA00815

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: May 12, 2017

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

TOWN OF NORTON, CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Rumford River Dam

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Canoe River Campground Dam

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Significant Hazard 10 ft

Barrowsville Pond Dam

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Cabot Pond Dam

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Kingman Pond Dam

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Mill Pond Dam

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Fulton Pond Dam

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Chartley Pond Dam

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Norton Reservoir Dam?

Norton Reservoir 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 Reservoir Dam?

Norton Reservoir Dam is owned by TOWN OF NORTON, CONSERVATION COMMISSION (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Norton Reservoir Dam?

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

How tall is Norton Reservoir Dam?

Norton Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 17 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 Reservoir Dam last inspected?

Norton Reservoir Dam was last inspected on May 12, 2017. 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.