Cooper Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 25, 2025
Cooper Dam, located in Melrose, Iowa, was completed in 1994 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and creating a small fish pond.
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Summary
The earth dam stands at a height of 29 feet and spans 380 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 83 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
The dam is situated on TR- Cedar Creek and is owned privately. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Cooper Dam is considered to be relatively safe. Despite not being rated for condition assessment, the dam has not undergone any modifications since its completion. The Kansas City District oversees the dam's operations and maintenance, with no federal agency involvement in its funding, design, construction, or regulation. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Cooper Dam presents an interesting case study in private dam ownership and state-level regulation.
Year Completed |
1994 |
Dam Length |
380 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
TR- CEDAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Drainage Area |
0.19 |
Nid Storage |
83 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
29 |
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.
Cooper Dam