Lounsberry Dam, located in Monona, Iowa, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1975 by the USDA NRCS. The dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock maintenance, and providing a small fish pond. With a height of 35 feet and a length of 300 feet, the dam has a normal storage capacity of 30 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 45 acre-feet.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Lounsberry Dam is regulated, permitted, and inspected by state authorities to ensure compliance with safety standards. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam has been assessed as having a moderate risk level (3). The dam has an uncontrolled spillway type and is situated on the TR-Little Sioux River, 25 miles from the Missouri River.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the unique features of Lounsberry Dam, including its role in providing essential services like fire protection and stock maintenance. With its strategic location and design by the USDA NRCS, the dam represents a harmonious blend of human intervention and environmental stewardship. As a regulated and inspected structure in Iowa, Lounsberry Dam highlights the importance of proactive risk management and safety measures in water resource management.