Van Scoy Dam, located in Hanley, Iowa, is a privately owned earth dam with a height of 24 feet and a length of 582 feet. Completed in 1985 by the USDA NRCS, the dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management. With a storage capacity of 77 acre-feet and a surface area of 6.3 acres, the dam regulates the flow of the Jones Creek river.

Managed and regulated by the Iowa DNR, Van Scoy Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. Despite its moderate risk level, the dam has not undergone recent inspections or risk assessments, and emergency action plans are not up to date. The surrounding area of Madison, Iowa benefits from the water resource provided by the dam, but there may be room for improvement in terms of risk management and emergency preparedness.

Climate and water resource enthusiasts interested in Van Scoy Dam can appreciate its role in providing water storage and management for the local community. The dam's design and purpose align with sustainable practices, but there is a need for enhanced inspection and emergency response protocols to ensure the safety and efficiency of this vital infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.