Mullins Dam, located in North River, Iowa, is a private earth dam constructed in 1970 by the USDA NRCS. With a height of 28 feet and a length of 576 feet, the dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection and maintaining a small fish pond. It has a storage capacity of 104 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 6.4 acres, with a drainage area of 0.3 square miles.

Despite being classified as low hazard potential, Mullins Dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, and it has not been modified since its completion. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with no emergency action plan currently in place. The surrounding area is represented by Congresswoman Cindy Axne and falls under the jurisdiction of the Kansas City District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Mullins Dam an interesting case study for private dam management and regulation in Iowa. Its design and purpose offer valuable insights into the balance between conservation efforts and human needs in maintaining water resources. The dam's location in the North Branch North River watershed underscores its significance in managing water flow and supporting local ecosystems. Overall, Mullins Dam represents a unique intersection of water resource management, environmental stewardship, and regulatory oversight in the heart of the Midwest.