Shirley Dam, located in Thurman, Iowa, was completed in 1984 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management. 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.