Vander Zyl Dam, located in Jasper County, Iowa, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1994 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes. With a dam height of 37 feet and a length of 430 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 158 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 11.2 acres. It is situated on Turner Creek and is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Vander Zyl Dam has not been rated for its condition assessment. The dam does not have controlled spillways or outlet gates, making it an uncontrolled spillway type structure. With its location in a rural area, the dam serves as an important resource for the surrounding community for water storage and fire protection purposes.

Overall, Vander Zyl Dam plays a vital role in water resource management in the area, providing necessary storage capacity for agricultural and fire protection needs. As a privately owned structure, it is subject to state regulations and inspections to ensure its safety and functionality. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the significance of this dam in sustaining the local ecosystem and supporting community resilience in times of need.