Coyote Valley Dam
Key Takeaway
Coyote Valley Dam is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1959 and is 67 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 164 ft (taller than 91.6% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 3,525 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 155.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 74.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,740 acres |
| Drainage Area | 105 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 35,800 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1959 (67 years old) |
| NID ID | CA10201 |
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
USACE - San Francisco District
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Coyote Valley Dam?
Coyote Valley Dam 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 Valley Dam?
Coyote Valley Dam is owned by USACE - San Francisco District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Coyote Valley Dam built?
Coyote Valley Dam was completed in 1959, making it 67 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 Valley Dam?
Coyote Valley Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation, Hydroelectric, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Coyote Valley Dam?
Coyote Valley Dam has a dam height of 164 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 Valley Dam last inspected?
Coyote Valley Dam was last inspected on July 21, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.