Shepherd Dam, located in Ardmore, South Dakota, is a privately owned structure primarily used for irrigation purposes on the South Squaw Creek. Built in 1931, this earth dam stands at a height of 17 feet, with a hydraulic height of 16 feet, and spans a length of 360 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 42 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 64 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 7 acres and has a drainage area of 1 square mile.

Managed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Shepherd Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in October 2017. The dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 850 cubic feet per second and operates under the jurisdiction of the state, with regulatory, inspection, and enforcement mechanisms in place to ensure its integrity. While the dam does not have associated spillways or outlet gates, its risk management measures and emergency action plan are yet to be fully updated and implemented.

Overall, Shepherd Dam plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities in the region by providing essential irrigation water to the surrounding areas. With proper maintenance and regular inspections, this vital infrastructure will continue to contribute to water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Sioux County, Nebraska.