Hobbs Dam, located in Chariton, Iowa, is a private Earth dam completed in 2010 with a primary purpose of providing fire protection and serving as a stock or small fish pond. This low-hazard dam has a height of 8 feet and a length of 2827 feet, with a normal storage capacity of 19 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 61 acre-feet. Despite its modest size, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area, with a surface area of 20.5 acres and a drainage area of 0.04 square miles.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Hobbs Dam is inspected, permitted, and regulated by state authorities to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam is situated on the TR-Chariton River and falls under the jurisdiction of the Rock Island District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. With no associated structures and no outlet gates, Hobbs Dam is designed to withstand typical hydraulic conditions with a maximum discharge capacity of 200 cubic feet per second. While its condition assessment is not rated, the dam's risk potential is classified as low, providing a reliable water source for fire protection and recreational use in the region.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate Hobbs Dam for its role in water management and conservation efforts. Serving as a multi-purpose structure, the dam not only provides essential fire protection but also supports local agriculture and wildlife through its stock and fish pond functions. As a privately owned facility, Hobbs Dam highlights the importance of collaboration between private entities and state agencies in ensuring the sustainable use of water resources for the benefit of communities and the environment. With its strategic location on the Chariton River and adherence to state regulations, Hobbs Dam stands as a testament to responsible water infrastructure development in Iowa.