Cooper Cove Park Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Cooper Cove Park Dam, located in Pocahontas, Iowa, is a recreational Earth dam designed by USDA NRCS and completed in 1972.


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Summary

With a height of 43 feet and a length of 240 feet, the dam provides essential flood control and water storage capabilities along the TR-Lizard Creek. Owned by the local government, the dam is state-regulated by the Iowa DNR and is used primarily for recreation purposes, offering a surface area of 1.4 acres for visitors to enjoy.

The dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance. While the dam's condition is currently not rated, it is inspected regularly by state authorities to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with safety regulations. Despite its relatively small drainage area of 0.07 square miles, the dam has a storage capacity of 25 acre-feet, providing a vital water resource for the surrounding community. With its scenic location and recreational opportunities, Cooper Cove Park Dam serves as a valuable asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the area.

In the event of an emergency, the dam's emergency action plan is crucial for coordinating response efforts and ensuring public safety. While the specifics of the plan, such as the last revision date and contact information, are currently not available, the dam's emergency preparedness is a key aspect of its risk management strategy. Overall, Cooper Cove Park Dam plays a vital role in water resource management and recreation in the region, highlighting the importance of sustainable infrastructure development in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

240

Dam Height

43

River Or Stream

TR-LIZARD CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.4

Drainage Area

0.07

Nid Storage

25

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

43
       
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.