Lum Hollow Subwatershed M-27785 is a vital water resource managed by local government authorities in Woodbury County, Iowa. Designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Iowa DNR, this earth dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, small fish pond maintenance, and flood risk reduction. Completed in 1959, the dam stands at a height of 38 feet, with a storage capacity of 341 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.74 square miles.

The dam's low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment make it a key component of the local water management infrastructure. While the condition assessment is currently not rated, regular inspections and enforcement by state agencies ensure its continued safety and functionality. Lum Hollow Subwatershed M-27785 plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding and supporting various water-related activities in the region.

With its location along Lum Hollow Creek and close proximity to Turin, this dam embodies the intersection of human and natural elements in water resource management. As climate change poses new challenges to water security, understanding and maintaining structures like Lum Hollow Subwatershed M-27785 is essential for sustainable water management in the region.