Sponsler Dam, located in Chariton, Iowa, is a privately owned structure that serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and a small fish pond. Completed in 1961, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and stretches 450 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 78 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-Chariton River within Wayne County, this dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality.

With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Sponsler Dam is considered to be in satisfactory condition, although its emergency action plan status is currently not rated. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and is designed to handle a maximum discharge of water from the small drainage area it serves. While the risk management measures and inundation maps for the dam are not specified in the data, its primary purpose of providing essential services such as fire protection underscores its importance as a water resource in the region. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Sponsler Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned structure contributing to local water management efforts in Iowa.