Cooper Dam
Key Takeaway
Cooper Dam is classified as high hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1991 and is 35 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 | 79 ft (taller than 98.6% in TX) |
| Dam Length | 28,072 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 797.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 310.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 19,280 acres |
| Drainage Area | 476 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 134,700 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1991 (35 years old) |
| NID ID | TX08012 |
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
USACE - Fort Worth District
Federal Government
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What is the hazard classification of Cooper Dam?
Cooper 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 Cooper Dam?
Cooper Dam is owned by USACE - Fort Worth District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Cooper Dam built?
Cooper Dam was completed in 1991, making it 35 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 Cooper Dam?
Cooper Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Cooper Dam?
Cooper Dam has a dam height of 79 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 Cooper Dam last inspected?
Cooper Dam was last inspected on March 20, 2024. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.