Located in Oakland Mills, Iowa, the Oakland Mills Dam is a gravity dam constructed in 1910 on the Skunk River. With a height of 10 feet and a length of 471 feet, this dam serves a primary purpose of recreation and has a normal storage capacity of 3,140 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and is inspected, permitted, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and functionality.

The Oakland Mills Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently in satisfactory condition, as assessed in 2009. The spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 254 feet, and the dam is built on a soil foundation. Although the dam has not been modified in recent years, it poses a moderate risk according to a risk assessment rating of 3. With its scenic location and recreational opportunities, the Oakland Mills Dam is a significant landmark in Henry County, Iowa, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts who appreciate its engineering and environmental impact on the Skunk River ecosystem.

For those interested in the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience, the Oakland Mills Dam offers a fascinating case study of a historic gravity dam that continues to provide recreational benefits while meeting regulatory standards for safety and operation. The dam's association with the Skunk River and its modest storage capacity make it an important feature in the local landscape, contributing to flood control and water supply management efforts in the region. As water resource and climate enthusiasts explore the Oakland Mills Dam, they can appreciate its role in balancing human needs with ecological considerations, highlighting the complex relationship between infrastructure development and environmental stewardship in the face of changing climate conditions.