Chinquapin
Chinquapin is an earth dam located in Mendocino County, California, built in 1971. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Chinquapin
The primary purpose of Chinquapin is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by County Of Mendocino (local government). It impounds the Moore Creek.
The dam stands 49 feet tall and stretches 285 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 4 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 45 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1971, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 10/31/2024.
At 49 feet, this dam is taller than 92% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | California |
| County | Mendocino |
| River/Stream | Moore Creek |
| Coordinates | 39.37740, -123.28010 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 49 ft |
| Dam Height | 49 ft |
| Dam Length | 285 ft |
| Year Completed | 1971 (55 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 45 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 45 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 4 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | County of Mendocino |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/31/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00975 |
| Federal ID | CA00975 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |