Blanchard Dam, located in Lee County, Iowa, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 2006 for grade stabilization purposes along a tributary to the Skunk River. With a height of 37 feet and a length of 660 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.1 square miles. Despite its relatively low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is not yet rated, Blanchard 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.

Managed by the USDA NRCS, Blanchard Dam serves as a vital structure for flood control and water resource management in the area. The dam's primary purpose of grade stabilization helps to protect the surrounding land from erosion and maintain the integrity of the waterway. As part of its operation, the dam has spillway widths of 10 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 110 cubic feet per second, providing essential flood protection for the community of Augusta and the surrounding areas in Lee County.

Although Blanchard Dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, it is equipped with emergency action plans and low-risk management measures to ensure the safety of nearby residents in case of a sudden failure or flooding event. With its strategic location and design, the dam plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the Skunk River watershed and enhancing water quality in the region. As a key infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience, Blanchard Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable infrastructure development in safeguarding our natural environment.