Utesch Dam, located in Cherokee, Iowa, stands as a vital structure designed by the USDA NRCS in 1996 for multiple purposes including fire protection, stock maintenance, and small fish pond management. This private-owned Earth-type dam serves as a crucial resource along TR-WILLOW CREEK, providing a storage capacity of 16 acre-feet with a maximum storage capacity of 12 acre-feet. With a dam height of 33 feet and a length of 270 feet, Utesch Dam plays a significant role in managing water resources in the region.

Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment rating, Utesch Dam has not undergone a formal condition assessment and has not been inspected or regulated by state agencies. The dam's spillway type is categorized as uncontrolled, indicating the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Furthermore, with a drainage area of 0.1 square miles and a surface area of 2 acres, Utesch Dam plays a crucial role in water management for the surrounding area, highlighting the importance of sustainable water resource management practices in the face of changing climate patterns.

As a key component of the local water infrastructure, Utesch Dam serves as a critical resource for the community of Washta and plays a vital role in maintaining water security for agricultural, environmental, and recreational purposes. With its construction overseen by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Utesch Dam's significance extends beyond its primary purposes, serving as a testament to the importance of sustainable water management practices and the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and resilience of water infrastructure in the face of evolving climate conditions.