Cooper Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Moore's Lagoon Scott Braswell Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Cooper Lake Dam, located in Gold Rock, North Carolina, was completed in 1963 and serves as a crucial recreational spot in the area.
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Summary
Owned privately and regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 15 feet and a hydraulic height of 14 feet. With a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet, it primarily caters to recreational purposes and boasts a surface area of 5 acres.
Despite its low hazard potential, Cooper Lake Dam has not been rated for its overall condition since its last inspection in January 2001. While the dam is regularly inspected every five years, its emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and inundation maps remain unspecified. With the Wilmington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers overlooking its operations, Cooper Lake Dam continues to be a vital water resource for the Swift Creek-Tr river system, offering a serene and enjoyable recreational experience for locals and visitors alike.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
276 |
River Or Stream |
Swift Creek-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Nid Storage |
50 |
Structural Height |
15 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Swift Creek At Hilliardston
|
858cfs |
Little Fishing Creek Near White Oak
|
13cfs |
Tar River At Nc 97 At Rocky Mount
|
240cfs |
Fishing Creek Near Enfield
|
129cfs |
Tar R At Us 401 At Louisburg
|
97cfs |
Tar River At Tarboro
|
418cfs |
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 Lake Dam