Is it worth metal detecting in tailing piles in Snelling CA?

[firebird]

There's an open public area in Snelling called Henderson Park which has lots of huge tailings from the old dredges that used to work the area. Are there any chances of finding gold there with a metal detector? Could panning the tailings also yield gold? I've already found gold in the Merced River but it's just smaller flakes further up north in Briceburg.

 

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[Gravelwasher]

Tailing piles from processing placer gold is always worth a shot. They were getting gold so I am sure they missed some.

The key is to find out from the history books if it was nugget gold or fine gold. Then you will know if pan or detector is a better choice.

Good luck and be prepared for lots of trash, a vlf is usually preferred for trashy areas.

 

[arizau]

Check with park authorities about metal detecting or other digging activities. This park regulation (particularly about natural features) may and probably does prohibit what you propose. "Vegetation and natural features - All plants, animals, and natural features are protected and may not be damaged, injured, or removed."

 

[Gravelwasher]

Rock piles stacked by man and machine, definitely not natural features.

Always best to check the regulations 1st though.

 

[Audozer]

I know the piles you’re talking about and they have been beaten up by detectorists for years but there is always that one rock that they missed, you just don’t know until you put your time in

 

[TerryC]

Snelling? Been through there many times. Would LOVE to see someone pull a missed nugget out of the MOUNTAINS of tailings there. Go get one! TTC