Downing Dam, located in Carlisle, Iowa, is a private dam regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Built by the NRCS in 2004, this earth dam stands at a height of 36 feet and spans 537 feet in length, with a primary purpose of fire protection and serving as a stock or small fish pond. The dam has a storage capacity of 104 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 7.2 acres, with a drainage area of 0.16 square miles along the TR-Deep Creek.

With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Downing Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. Despite not being rated for its condition, the dam is inspected, regulated, and permitted by the state, emphasizing its importance in ensuring the safety and sustainability of the surrounding environment. The presence of an uncontrolled spillway and the dam's location in a strategic position within the watershed highlight its significance in flood control and water conservation efforts. As an essential component of the local ecosystem, Downing Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience in the region.