William L. Cochran Impounding
Key Takeaway
William L. Cochran Impounding is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1898 and is 128 years old. 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 | 60 ft (taller than 88.6% in PA) |
| Dam Length | 1,000 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 43 acres |
| Drainage Area | 10 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1898 (128 years old) |
| NID ID | PA00529 |
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
ALTOONA WATER AUTHORITY
Local Government
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High Hazard 12 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of William L. Cochran Impounding?
William L. Cochran Impounding 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 William L. Cochran Impounding?
William L. Cochran Impounding is owned by ALTOONA WATER AUTHORITY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was William L. Cochran Impounding built?
William L. Cochran Impounding was completed in 1898, making it 128 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 William L. Cochran Impounding?
William L. Cochran Impounding serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is William L. Cochran Impounding?
William L. Cochran Impounding has a dam height of 60 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 William L. Cochran Impounding last inspected?
William L. Cochran Impounding was last inspected on May 19, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.