Frank Cothran Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Frank Cothran is a private fish and wildlife pond located in Dallas, Alabama, near Tilden.


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Summary

Built in 1969 by the USDA NRCS, this Earth dam stands at 18 feet high and stretches 350 feet long, with a storage capacity of 113 acre-feet. The dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock watering, and recreation, with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating.

Situated on the TR-Pine Barren Creek in the Mobile District, Frank Cothran is not regulated by the state and does not require permitting or inspections. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 56 feet and can discharge up to 800 cubic feet per second. While the condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam meets guidelines for emergency action plans and risk management measures.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Frank Cothran offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of human intervention and natural ecosystems. As a privately owned structure, its impact on the environment and surrounding wildlife is worth studying, especially in the context of changing climate patterns and increasing water scarcity. The dam's history, design, and function provide valuable insights into sustainable water management practices and the importance of balancing human needs with ecological preservation in a changing world.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

TR-PINE BARREN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

0.47

Nid Storage

113

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

18
       
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.