Cowles Dam, located in Hiteman, Iowa, on the TR- Cedar Creek river, was completed in 1989 by the USDA NRCS. This earth dam stands at 25 feet tall and spans 260 feet in length, serving primarily for fire protection and as a small fish pond. With a storage capacity of 38 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 2 acres and drains a 0.21 square mile watershed. The dam is under the regulatory jurisdiction of the Iowa DNR and undergoes state inspections, permitting, and enforcement.

Despite its low hazard potential, Cowles Dam presents a moderate risk level, rated at 3, and its condition remains unrated. While emergency action plans and risk management measures are not documented, the dam has not been modified since its completion. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, and it does not have outlet gates or locks. Cowles Dam's location in Monroe County, Iowa, and its ownership by a private entity make it a notable structure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor and study within the state's regulatory framework.