Norwich Reservoir #2 Dam
Norwich Reservoir #2 Dam is an earth dam located in Chenango County, New York, built in 1890. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Norwich Reservoir #2 Dam
The primary purpose of Norwich Reservoir #2 Dam is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by City Of Norwich (local government). It impounds the Ransford Creek near Hawley Corners.
The dam stands 56 feet tall and stretches 638 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 9 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 222 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 3 square miles. Completed in 1890, the structure is over a century old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 09/23/2024.
At 56 feet, this dam is taller than 94% of dams nationwide.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The New York dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | New York |
| County | Chenango |
| Nearest City | Hawley Corners |
| River/Stream | Ransford Creek |
| Coordinates | 42.54944, -75.48851 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 56 ft |
| Dam Height | 56 ft |
| Dam Length | 638 ft |
| Year Completed | 1890 (136 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 222 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 222 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 188 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 9 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 5,100 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | CITY OF NORWICH |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 09/23/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY00349 |
| Federal ID | NY00349 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |