Cobin Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cobin Dam, located in Choctaw Beach Estates, Walton County, Florida, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1966 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam spans 400 feet in length, with a height of 15 feet and a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-West Sandy Creek, it serves multiple purposes including irrigation and recreation. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam has not been inspected since May 1994 and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment.

Although Cobin Dam is not federally owned or funded, it falls under state jurisdiction and regulation in terms of permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam, with a surface area of 4 acres, is designated as a low-risk structure, with no designated emergency action plan (EAP) or inundation maps prepared. The dam's spillway type, maximum discharge, and associated lock structures are not specified in the available data, but it remains a significant feature in the local water resource management system.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Cobin Dam represents a unique engineering structure in the Florida landscape, providing both recreational opportunities and water management functions. With its historical significance dating back to the 1960s, the dam's current condition and maintenance practices are areas of interest and potential concern. Further research and monitoring may be needed to ensure the continued safety and effectiveness of the Cobin Dam for both recreational users and the surrounding environment.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

TR-WEST SANDY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

60

Structural Height

12

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

15
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.