Shirley Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Kopecky Dam Vanatta Dam
Last Updated: December 25, 2025
Shirley Dam, located in Thurman, Iowa, was completed in 1984 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management.
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Summary
Owned privately, the dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and is subject to state inspection and enforcement. With a height of 27 feet and a length of 500 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 4.2 acres.
Designed by the USDA NRCS, Shirley Dam is classified as an earth dam with a low hazard potential. The dam is situated on TR-Perkins Creek and is under the jurisdiction of the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type, the dam has a moderate risk assessment rating. While the condition of the dam is currently not rated, it meets state permitting requirements and has undergone state inspections.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Shirley Dam provides an interesting case study in dam construction and management. With its multiple uses and state-regulated status, the dam highlights the importance of proper infrastructure maintenance and oversight in mitigating risks associated with water management. The collaboration between private ownership, federal agencies, and state regulators in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of Shirley Dam serves as a valuable example for sustainable water resource management practices.
Year Completed |
1984 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR- PERKINS CR. |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.2 |
Drainage Area |
0.33 |
Nid Storage |
65 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
West Nishnabotna River At Randolph
|
349cfs |
Weeping Water Creek At Union
|
20cfs |
Missouri River At Nebraska City
|
25100cfs |
Nishnabotna River Above Hamburg
|
762cfs |
East Nishnabotna River At Red Oak
|
302cfs |
Platte R At Louisville Ne
|
6400cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Shirley Dam