Carlson Dam, located in Audubon County, Iowa, was completed in 1950 and is owned privately. Designed by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 33 feet and has a length of 565 feet. With a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond, the dam serves to provide water storage for various uses. The dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, with no recent condition assessment available.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Carlson Dam is state-regulated and inspected regularly to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam has a storage capacity of 188 acre-feet and a surface area of 13.5 acres. Despite being uncontrolled, the dam has a spillway width of 0 and poses a low risk of inundation. With its location on TR-FOUR MILE CR, Carlson Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area, supporting local fire protection and agricultural needs.