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During the 1930s, farmers and ranchers across the Great Plains suffered from an extended dry spell similar to the present-day severe drought affecting states from North Dakota to California. When heavy rains finally did arrive, the result was often dangerous flash flooding. Beginning in the mid-1930’s, the Farm Security Administration—a New Deal federal agency—organized the construction of countless stock-watering dams across dry stream beds. The program employed thousands of idle farmers and ranchers. Hundreds of small dams detained surface water runoff from rain and snow melt that would otherwise be lost downstream, often contributing to flash floods. The resulting ponds became primary water sources for livestock.

Dozens of these dams can be seen today on Google Maps. Search for Dawes County, Nebraska and use “satellite view” to explore the area near the South Dakota border. Zoom-in to inspect one of the numerous tadpole-shaped impoundment ponds…and eureka! The earthen dam is revealed Photograph by Arthur Rothstein

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