Mockingbird Canyon Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mockingbird Canyon, also known as Mockingbird Reservoir, is a vital water resource located in Riverside, California.


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Summary

Owned by the local government, this dam serves the primary purpose of water supply for irrigation and other uses. Completed in 1914, Mockingbird Canyon Dam is an earth-type structure standing at a height of 74 feet with a hydraulic height of 55 feet. The reservoir has a storage capacity of 1250 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 64 acres, with a drainage area of 13.13 square miles.

The dam, situated on Mockingbird Can, is regulated by the Department of Water Resources (DWR) under the Safety of Dams program in California. Its last inspection in March 2021 deemed its condition satisfactory with a high hazard potential. The dam has a history of enforcement, inspection, and permitting by state agencies, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulations. With its important role in water supply and irrigation, Mockingbird Canyon Dam continues to play a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Despite being over a century old, Mockingbird Canyon Dam remains a key infrastructure for water management in Riverside. With its high hazard potential, the dam undergoes regular inspections and assessments to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The local government, in partnership with state agencies, continues to monitor and enforce regulations to mitigate any risks associated with the dam. As climate change impacts water resources, Mockingbird Canyon Dam serves as a crucial asset in maintaining a reliable water supply for the community and surrounding areas.

Year Completed

1914

Dam Length

1525

Dam Height

74

River Or Stream

Mockingbird Can

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

64

Hydraulic Height

55

Drainage Area

13.13

Nid Storage

1250

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

74
       
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.