Cooper Dam, located in Melrose, Iowa, was completed in 1994 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and creating a small fish pond. The earth dam stands at a height of 29 feet and spans 380 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 83 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

The dam is situated on TR- Cedar Creek and is owned privately. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Cooper Dam is considered to be relatively safe. Despite not being rated for condition assessment, the dam has not undergone any modifications since its completion. The Kansas City District oversees the dam's operations and maintenance, with no federal agency involvement in its funding, design, construction, or regulation. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Cooper Dam presents an interesting case study in private dam ownership and state-level regulation.