Lake Cooper Dam

MESQUITE CREEK· Archer, Texas· Built 1953· Earth· 46 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Lake Cooper Dam is classified as significant hazard in Texas. It was completed in 1953 and is 73 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 46 ft (taller than 90.9% in TX)
Dam Length2,050 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage7.2K acre-ft
Normal Storage4.5K acre-ft
Surface Area261 acres
Drainage Area13 sq mi
Max Discharge2 cfs
Year Completed1953 (73 years old)
NID IDTX00996

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: February 8, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: TCEQ

Ownership

CITY OF OLNEY

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Cooper Dam?

Lake Cooper Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Lake Cooper Dam?

Lake Cooper Dam is owned by CITY OF OLNEY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Cooper Dam built?

Lake Cooper Dam was completed in 1953, making it 73 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 Lake Cooper Dam?

Lake Cooper 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 Lake Cooper Dam?

Lake Cooper Dam has a dam height of 46 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 Lake Cooper Dam last inspected?

Lake Cooper Dam was last inspected on February 8, 2023. 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.