Cooper Dev - Pinopolis Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cooper Dev - Pinopolis Dam, located in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, is a state-owned structure designed by the Harza Engineering Company.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1942, this earth dam serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, hydroelectric power generation, navigation, recreation, and water supply. Standing at a height of 138 feet, with a hydraulic height of 88 feet, the dam impounds the Cooper River, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 1,110,000 acre-feet and a surface area of 60,000 acres.

With a high hazard potential, Cooper Dev - Pinopolis Dam is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which oversees its inspections and regulatory requirements. Despite its age, the dam's condition assessment is not available, indicating a need for further evaluation. The Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for the dam was last revised in January 2021, ensuring that emergency contacts and guidelines are up to date in case of any unforeseen events. The risk assessment for the dam is rated as high, highlighting the importance of ongoing risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure.

In addition to its functional roles, Cooper Dev - Pinopolis Dam is a significant landmark in Berkeley County, contributing to the region's water resource management and climate resilience efforts. As an essential component of the local infrastructure, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks, providing renewable energy, and facilitating recreational activities for the community. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, staying informed about the maintenance and monitoring of dams like Cooper Dev - Pinopolis Dam is vital for ensuring the sustainability and safety of our water systems in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1942

Dam Length

50072

Dam Height

75

River Or Stream

Cooper

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

60000

Hydraulic Height

88

Drainage Area

15000

Nid Storage

1110000

Structural Height

138

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

138
       
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.