Coyote
Key Takeaway
Coyote is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1936 and is 90 years old. Its primary use is water supply. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 140 ft (taller than 88.5% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 980 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 22.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 635 acres |
| Drainage Area | 120 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1936 (90 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00287 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Santa Clara Valley Water District
Public Utility
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High Hazard 95 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Coyote?
Coyote is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Coyote?
Coyote is owned by Santa Clara Valley Water District (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Coyote built?
Coyote was completed in 1936, making it 90 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Coyote?
Coyote serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Coyote?
Coyote has a dam height of 140 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Coyote last inspected?
Coyote was last inspected on March 22, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.