Brown Dam, located in Cherokee, Iowa, was completed in 1970 and is owned privately. Designed by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 24 feet tall and spans 582 feet in length. The primary purpose of Brown Dam is for fire protection, stock, or as a small fish pond, with a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet and a surface area of 4.7 acres.

Managed by the Iowa DNR, Brown Dam is state-regulated, inspected, and enforced for safety compliance. It has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. The dam's purpose, along with its relatively small drainage area of 0.53 square miles, contribute to its moderate risk assessment level.

Despite its low hazard potential, Brown Dam plays a crucial role in providing water resources for the surrounding area, serving as a vital source for fire protection and stock purposes. Enthusiasts of water resource management and climate conservation can appreciate the importance of dams like Brown Dam in maintaining sustainable water supplies and ecosystems in the region.