Tjaden Dam, located in Gifford, Iowa, was completed in 1985 and is owned privately. The dam, designed by USDA NRCS, is primarily used for fire protection, stock, and as a small fish pond. Standing at 30 feet high and 245 feet long, Tjaden Dam holds a normal storage capacity of 14 acre-feet and has a low hazard potential.

Managed by the Iowa DNR, Tjaden Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state. The dam, constructed with an earth type structure on soil foundation, serves the purpose of protecting the surrounding area against floods and providing water for recreational purposes. With a drainage area of 0.05 square miles and a surface area of 2 acres, the dam plays a significant role in water resource management in the region.

Despite being categorized as having a moderate risk (3) due to its condition assessment being "not rated," Tjaden Dam remains a crucial component of the region's water infrastructure. With its strategic location on the TR-S. FK. IOWA R. and its low hazard potential, the dam continues to serve its purpose effectively while being closely monitored for any potential risks or hazards.