Nichols Dam, located in Adair, Iowa, was completed in 1974 by the USDA NRCS and serves multiple purposes, including fire protection and as a small fish pond. The earth dam stands at 23 feet high and spans 542 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 169 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-WF Middle Nodaway River, this privately-owned dam is regulated by the Iowa DNR and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement.

With a low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Nichols Dam is considered to have a stable condition, though it has not been formally rated. The dam does not currently have an Emergency Action Plan in place, but it meets regulatory guidelines for operation and maintenance. The surrounding area has a surface area of 11.3 acres and a drainage area of 0.44 square miles, making it a vital resource for the local community and ecosystem. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Nichols Dam to be an intriguing case study in dam management and conservation efforts in the state of Iowa.