Cooper Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: City Lake Dam City Lake Dam No 2
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Cooper Dam, also known as Jim Chapman Lake, is a federal-owned structure located in Texas, specifically in Delta County near the city of Talco.
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Summary
Completed in 1991, the dam serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, recreation, and water supply. It is an earth dam with a height of 79 feet and a length of 28,072 feet, holding a maximum storage capacity of 797,300 acre-feet of water. The dam is managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers and plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks for downstream communities along the Sulphur River.
Although Cooper Dam reduces the risk of flooding to downstream areas, the dam does not completely eliminate the potential for flooding events. The US Army Corps of Engineers has conducted a risk assessment and classified the risk associated with the dam as very low, primarily due to the low probability of dam failure and the limited population at risk downstream. To further enhance public safety, the Corps regularly conducts emergency exercises, updates the Emergency Action Plan, and implements risk reduction measures such as stockpiling materials for erosion mitigation. The dam is also equipped with advanced monitoring systems to evaluate changing conditions and ensure the integrity of the structure.
In the unlikely event of a dam breach, the city of Shreveport, Louisiana would be the most impacted area, potentially facing catastrophic flooding and widespread economic impacts. Despite the potential risks, the US Army Corps of Engineers is dedicated to maintaining the dam's safety and implementing proactive measures to protect downstream communities. With well-practiced emergency action plans and ongoing collaboration between local emergency managers and the USACE, Cooper Dam remains a vital asset for managing water resources and climate-related risks in the region.
Year Completed |
1991 |
Dam Length |
28072 |
Dam Height |
79 |
River Or Stream |
SULPHUR RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
19280 |
Hydraulic Height |
74 |
Drainage Area |
476 |
Nid Storage |
797300 |
Structural Height |
95 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
95 |
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
Jim L. Chapman Lk Nr Cooper
Lk Sulphur Springs Nr Sulphur Springs