Frank Cothran Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Frank Cothran Dam, located in St.


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Summary

Mary's Church, Alabama, is a private recreational facility completed in 1969. The dam, designed as an Earth type structure, stands at a structural height of 28 feet with a hydraulic height of 26 feet. It serves primarily for recreation purposes and has a storage capacity of 104 acre-feet, with a normal storage of 96 acre-feet.

Situated on the Pine Barren Creek, the dam has a low hazard potential and is not currently rated for its condition assessment. Despite being privately owned, it is not regulated or inspected by the state agencies. The dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 320 cubic feet per second and spans a length of 560 feet. It provides a picturesque setting for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy recreational activities in the serene surroundings of Dallas County, Alabama.

With its tranquil waters and scenic surroundings, Frank Cothran Dam offers an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts to engage in various recreational activities. The dam, with its low hazard potential and unregulated status, provides a safe and enjoyable environment for visitors to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the area. For those interested in water resources and climate, this private recreational facility in Alabama is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered and appreciated for its unique charm and appeal.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

560

River Or Stream

TR-PINE BARREN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

26

Nid Storage

104

Structural Height

28

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

28
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.