Upper Norton Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Upper Norton Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Virginia. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 78 ft (taller than 97.6% in VA) |
| Dam Length | 340 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 277 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 202 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 9 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| NID ID | VA720002 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
City of Norton
Local Government
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Lower Norton Reservoir Dam
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High Hazard 35 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Upper Norton Reservoir Dam?
Upper 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 Upper Norton Reservoir Dam?
Upper Norton Reservoir Dam is owned by City of Norton (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
What is the primary purpose of Upper Norton Reservoir Dam?
Upper Norton Reservoir Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Upper Norton Reservoir Dam?
Upper Norton Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 78 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 Upper Norton Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Upper Norton Reservoir Dam was last inspected on March 25, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.