Coyote (Lake Mendocino) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 11, 2026

Coyote Dam is located on the Russian River in Mendocino County, California.


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Summary

It was completed in 1959 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide flood control and water storage for agricultural and municipal use. The dam also creates Lake Mendocino, which has a capacity of 122,600 acre-feet. The hydrology of the area is influenced by the snowpack in the nearby mountain ranges, such as the Mendocino National Forest. The surface flows into the lake include the East Fork of the Russian River and the Outlet Creek. These sources are important for irrigation and municipal supply in the region. The lake is also a popular recreational destination for fishing, boating, and camping.

Reservoir Details

24hr Change None%
Percent of Normal None%
Minimum
Maximum
Average
Dam_Height 164
Hydraulic_Height 161
Drainage_Area 105
Year_Completed 1959
Nid_Storage 155500
Structural_Height 180
Foundations Soil
Surface_Area 1740
Hazard_Potential High
Outlet_Gates None - 0
River_Or_Stream EAST FORK RUSSIAN RIVER
Dam_Length 3525
Primary_Dam_Type Earth
Nid_Height 180
       
Seasonal Comparison
Storage Levels
Pool Elevation Levels
Top Conserv Storage Levels
Inflow Levels

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.