Paulsen Dam is a private-owned structure located in Audubon, Iowa, designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Iowa DNR. Completed in 1975, the dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond. With a dam height of 30 feet and a length of 500 feet, it has a storage capacity of 68 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 4.3 acres. The dam is situated on the TR-E. NISNABOTNA river/stream and is part of the Rock Island District.

Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Paulsen Dam has not been rated for its condition assessment. While it lacks certain emergency preparedness measures such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) or updated contact information, the dam is inspected, permitted, and regulated by the state of Iowa. With its primary purpose for fire protection and stock maintenance, the dam plays a crucial role in the local water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the area. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate science will find Paulsen Dam to be an intriguing case study in dam infrastructure and management practices.