Cochran Lake Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Cochran Lake, located in Marengo, Alabama, is a private reservoir designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1961.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
It serves multiple purposes, including flood risk reduction, fire protection, and as a stock or small fish pond. The earth dam stands at a height of 13 feet and has a length of 525 feet, with a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet and a maximum discharge flow of 260 cubic feet per second. The reservoir is situated on Powell Creek and is under the jurisdiction of the Mobile District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Despite being privately owned, Cochran Lake has a significant hazard potential and is classified as having a moderate risk level. It has not been rated for its condition assessment, and there is no information available on emergency action plans or inundation maps. The reservoir does not have any associated locks or outlet gates, and its spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 48 feet. With its strategic location and importance for flood risk reduction in the area, Cochran Lake serves as a vital water resource for the community and surrounding environment.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
525 |
Dam Height |
13 |
River Or Stream |
POWELL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
0.15 |
Nid Storage |
65 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
13 |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Chickasaw State Park
|
||
Foscue
|
||
Lock 5
|
||
Runaway Branch
|
Cochran Lake