Cooper Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cooper Dam, located in Guadalupe, Texas, is a private-owned earth dam designed by USDA NRCS and completed in 1997.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The primary purpose of this dam is flood risk reduction, serving as a critical structure along TR-Cottonwood Creek in the Galveston District. With a hydraulic height of 21.5 feet and a storage capacity of 115 acre-feet, Cooper Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding.

Despite its importance in flood control, Cooper Dam currently has a high risk assessment and is not rated for condition assessment. The dam lacks a spillway and locks, and its hazard potential is not available, indicating the need for further inspection and maintenance. While the dam has not been modified over the years, it is equipped with one outlet gate to regulate water flow. It is essential for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor the condition of Cooper Dam and ensure that proper risk management measures are in place to prevent any potential hazards.

In the realm of water resource management, Cooper Dam stands as a key infrastructure in Texas, highlighting the importance of effective flood risk reduction strategies. As climate change continues to impact water systems, the maintenance and monitoring of dams like Cooper Dam become increasingly crucial to safeguard communities and ecosystems from the threat of flooding. With its strategic location and significant storage capacity, Cooper Dam plays a vital role in mitigating flood risks and managing water resources in the region, emphasizing the need for ongoing assessment and maintenance to ensure its long-term functionality and safety.

Year Completed

1997

Dam Height

21.5

River Or Stream

TR-COTTONWOOD CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7.6

Hydraulic Height

21.5

Drainage Area

0.36

Nid Storage

115

Structural Height

26

Outlet Gates

None - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

26
       
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.