Shinn

About Shinn

The primary purpose of Shinn is tailings. Tailings dams contain waste material from mining operations — typically a slurry of finely ground rock left over after valuable minerals have been extracted. These structures require ongoing monitoring because tailings can contain heavy metals and other contaminants. The dam is owned by Alameda County Water District (local government). It impounds the Tr Alameda Creek.

The dam stands 45 feet tall and stretches 1,000 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 26 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 390 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1987, the structure is 39 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 45 feet, this dam is taller than 91% of dams nationwide.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.