Kelso Dam, located in Wayne County, Iowa, along the TR-Jackson Creek, was completed in 1962 by the USDA NRCS. This earth dam stands at 16 feet high and stretches 455 feet in length, providing a surface area of 6.8 acres and a storage capacity of 68 acre-feet. The primary purpose of Kelso Dam is for fire protection, stock, or as a small fish pond, serving as a vital resource for the local community.

Managed by a private owner but regulated by the Iowa DNR, Kelso Dam is classified as having a low hazard potential and a moderate risk level. Despite not being currently rated for its condition, the dam is regularly inspected, with the last recorded inspection dating back to January 1963. With a drainage area of 0.07 square miles, Kelso Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the area.

With its uncontrolled spillway type and emergency action plan status unclear, Kelso Dam presents an important case study for water resource and climate enthusiasts. As a part of the Rock Island District, this dam showcases the intersection of engineering, environmental stewardship, and community safety, highlighting the interconnectedness of water infrastructure with the broader ecosystem and human livelihoods in the region.