Bradfield Dam, located in Jefferson, Iowa, along the Skunk River, was completed in 1985 by the USDA NRCS. This private dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection and creating a small fish pond. With a height of 17 feet and a length of 470 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 6 acres. Despite its relatively low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance.

The dam is primarily constructed of earth and founded on soil, with an uncontrolled spillway type. While it has not been rated for condition assessment, the dam is considered to meet guidelines for emergency action plans, although specific details are not provided in the data. The risk management measures and inundation maps for the dam are also not explicitly mentioned, indicating potential areas for improvement in terms of emergency preparedness and response. Overall, Bradfield Dam represents a significant water resource structure in the region that plays a vital role in fire protection, stock management, and creating a habitat for small fish species.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the data on Bradfield Dam highlights the importance of monitoring and maintaining infrastructure for sustainable water management. With its location on the Skunk River in Iowa, the dam serves as a critical component for local water resources and ecosystem health. The involvement of the Iowa DNR in regulating and overseeing the dam's operations underscores the importance of state agencies in ensuring the safety and integrity of water infrastructure. By understanding the design, purpose, and risk factors associated with Bradfield Dam, enthusiasts can appreciate the complexities of managing water resources in a changing climate and the need for proactive measures to mitigate potential hazards and ensure long-term sustainability.