St Ansgar Milldam, located in Mitchell, Iowa, along the Cedar River, is a historic gravity dam completed in 1919 primarily for recreation purposes. The dam stands at a height of 9 feet and spans 202 feet, with a storage capacity of 600 acre-feet and a drainage area of 780 acres. Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential, the dam is subject to state regulation and inspection by the Iowa DNR to ensure its safety and integrity.

While the dam does not have a spillway, it is equipped with uncontrolled spillway type to manage water flow during high water events. The risk assessment for St Ansgar Milldam is moderate, indicating a level 3 risk, with no specific risk management measures or emergency action plan currently in place. The dam's condition assessment is listed as "Not Rated", highlighting the need for further evaluation and potential improvements to enhance its safety and resilience in the face of changing climate conditions and increasing water resource challenges.

Overall, St Ansgar Milldam serves as both a recreational and structural asset in the community, offering opportunities for outdoor activities and water-based recreation. As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, ongoing monitoring and maintenance of the dam will be crucial to ensure its continued function and safety for the surrounding area. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate adaptation will find St Ansgar Milldam to be an intriguing case study in the intersection of historical preservation, recreational use, and the evolving challenges of climate resilience in dam management.