Swan Lake Dam, located in Coon Rapids, Iowa, is a state-regulated structure completed in 1935 by the National Park Service. This earth dam, standing at a height of 10 feet and a length of 900 feet, serves as a fish and wildlife pond along a tributary to Middle Raccoon River. With a normal storage capacity of 440 acre-feet and a maximum capacity of 600 acre-feet, it covers a surface area of 130 acres and drains a watershed area of 1.4 square miles.

Despite being classified as a low hazard potential structure, Swan Lake Dam has not been rated for its condition since its last inspection in 1993. While it meets state regulatory requirements for permitting, inspection, and enforcement by the Iowa DNR, its emergency action plan (EAP) status remains unclear. The dam's association with the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is also noted as non-existent, suggesting that its operations and maintenance fall under state jurisdiction.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Swan Lake Dam presents a unique opportunity to study the intersection of human-made structures with natural ecosystems. Its role in providing habitat for fish and wildlife, coupled with its historical significance as a New Deal-era project, offers a window into the complex relationships between infrastructure, conservation, and community development. As efforts to modernize dam safety and resilience continue, understanding the context and characteristics of structures like Swan Lake Dam becomes essential for sustainable water management in the face of a changing climate.