Mockingbird Canyon

Mockingbird Can· Riverside, California· Built 1914· Earth· 74 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Irrigation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Mockingbird Canyon is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1914 and is 112 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 74 ft (taller than 74.3% in CA)
Dam Length1,525 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.3K acre-ft
Surface Area64 acres
Drainage Area13 sq mi
Year Completed1914 (112 years old)
NID IDCA00305

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: April 7, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR, Division of Safety of Dams

Ownership

City of Riverside

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Mockingbird Canyon?

Mockingbird Canyon 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 Mockingbird Canyon?

Mockingbird Canyon is owned by City of Riverside (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Mockingbird Canyon built?

Mockingbird Canyon was completed in 1914, making it 112 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 Mockingbird Canyon?

Mockingbird Canyon 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 Mockingbird Canyon?

Mockingbird Canyon has a dam height of 74 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 Mockingbird Canyon last inspected?

Mockingbird Canyon was last inspected on April 7, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.