Sheppard Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sheppard, a private dam located in Union Township, Pennsylvania, serves as a recreational site along the TR South Branch Conewago Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1934, this earthen dam stands at a height of 23 feet and has a length of 300 feet, providing a storage capacity of 89 acre-feet. Despite its age, Sheppard has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment.

Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Sheppard is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities. The dam, primarily designed for recreation, has not undergone any significant modifications since its construction. It is situated within Adams County, Pennsylvania, and falls under the jurisdiction of the Baltimore District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Sheppard an interesting case study due to its historical significance, design characteristics, and regulatory framework. As a privately owned structure with state oversight, Sheppard showcases the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams for both recreational and safety purposes in the face of changing environmental conditions and increasing water resource demands.

Year Completed

1934

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

TR SOUTH BRANCH CONEWAGO CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Drainage Area

1.7

Nid Storage

89

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

23
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.