Van Wyk Dam, located in Marion County, Iowa, was completed in 1988 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection and providing a small fish pond. The dam, with a height of 26 feet and a length of 295 feet, has a storage capacity of 23 acre-feet and a surface area of 1.7 acres. It is primarily owned by a private entity and is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Situated on the TR-DES MOINES RIVER, Van Wyk Dam has a low hazard potential and is not currently rated for its condition. Despite having a moderate risk assessment, the dam has not been inspected in recent years and lacks an Emergency Action Plan. The spillway of the dam is uncontrolled, indicating that the release of excess water is not actively managed. Additionally, the dam does not have any associated locks or outlet gates.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Van Wyk Dam presents an interesting case study in dam management and regulation. With its unique combination of purposes and its location in Iowa's water infrastructure, the dam offers opportunities for further research and analysis on the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience.