Oscar Cobb Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cottrell Lake Dam Paul James #2
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Oscar Cobb, located in Union Town, Alabama, is a privately owned Earth dam designed by USDA NRCS in 1968 for the primary purpose of serving as a Fish and Wildlife Pond.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 14 feet and spans a length of 500 feet, with a storage capacity of 146 acre-feet. The dam is situated on TR-Cottonwood Creek and falls under the jurisdiction of the Mobile District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, Oscar Cobb has not been rated for its condition since its last inspection in 1978. The dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 70 feet and a maximum discharge of 330 cubic feet per second. While the dam has not undergone any modifications over the years, it presents an opportunity for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore its ecological significance as a habitat for fish and wildlife in the region.
With its historical significance and potential for environmental conservation, Oscar Cobb serves as a valuable resource for studying the intersection of water management and biodiversity conservation in Alabama. As efforts continue to monitor and assess the dam's condition and risk factors, there is a growing need for sustainable management practices to ensure the longevity of this vital ecosystem for future generations.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
TR-COTTONWOOD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
146 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Oscar Cobb