Lauterbach Dam, located in Dallas County, Iowa, serves multiple purposes including fire protection and creating a small fish pond. This private dam, completed in 1997, stands at a height of 25 feet and spans a length of 325 feet. Situated on the TR- Raccoon River, the dam has a storage capacity of 22 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 1.8 acres.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Lauterbach Dam is regularly inspected, regulated, and enforced to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Classified with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam is designed with an uncontrolled spillway and is primarily constructed with earth and soil foundations. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem and water resource management in the area.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lauterbach Dam offers a fascinating insight into the intersection of human infrastructure and environmental conservation. As a privately owned structure with public safety implications, the dam's functions and management provide a valuable case study for understanding the dynamics of water governance and the importance of sustainable dam operations in a changing climate.