Mather Dam, located in Blanchard, Iowa, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of grade stabilization. Completed in 2012, this earth dam stands at a height of 33 feet and spans a length of 614 feet, with a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.28 square miles. The dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock and small fish pond management, in addition to grade stabilization along a tributary to Tarkio Creek.

With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," Mather Dam is regulated and inspected by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Despite lacking an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and updated emergency contacts, the dam meets state permitting and inspection requirements. The dam does not have a spillway and is equipped with outlet gates. Surrounding the dam is a surface area of 5 acres, providing vital water resource management and flood control benefits to the local community.

Mather Dam, a vital infrastructure for water resource management in Page County, Iowa, is a testament to the collaborative efforts between private ownership and government agencies in ensuring the safety and sustainability of our water resources. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, dams like Mather play a crucial role in protecting communities from floods, enhancing water storage capacity, and supporting aquatic ecosystems. The dam's completion in 2012 signifies a modern approach to dam construction, incorporating environmental considerations and multiple benefits for the local environment and economy.