Maxwell Dam, located in Salem, Iowa, was completed in 2008 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management. Owned privately, the dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. The dam, primarily made of earth and soil foundations, stands at a height of 21 feet and has a length of 475 feet, with a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet.

Despite its low hazard potential, Maxwell Dam is considered to have a moderate risk level, with a risk assessment rating of 3. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and a surface area of 3.9 acres, serving the Fish Creek tributary. The surrounding area of Henry County benefits from the water resource management provided by the dam, contributing to the community's water supply and environmental sustainability efforts. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Maxwell Dam to be an essential infrastructure supporting both local ecosystems and human activities in the region.