Cooper Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Cooper Dam, located in Cherokee, South Carolina, is a key water resource infrastructure managed by the Nashville and Wilmington Districts of the US Army Corps of Engineers.


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Summary

With a height of 32 feet and a storage capacity of 35 acre-feet, this dam plays a critical role in regulating water flow and providing flood control in the region. Despite its importance, the hazard potential of Cooper Dam is currently classified as undetermined, with its condition assessment marked as "Not Rated".

Even though the primary purpose and specific design details of Cooper Dam are not specified in the available data, its significance in water management cannot be understated. The dam's location at latitude 35.0295 and longitude -81.6497 underscores its strategic position in the local water infrastructure network. With a capacity to store up to 35 acre-feet of water, Cooper Dam contributes to the sustainable management of water resources in the area.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the operational status and safety measures of dams like Cooper Dam is crucial for ensuring the resilience of our water infrastructure in the face of changing climate patterns. While more detailed information about Cooper Dam's construction, purpose, and risk management measures would provide a comprehensive picture, the available data highlights its role as a critical asset for water regulation and flood control in South Carolina.

Dam Height

32

Surface Area

3

Nid Storage

35

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

32
       
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.