Dugout Creek Wetland Dam, located in Spencer, Iowa, is a Federal-owned structure designed by Doug Lipetzky that serves multiple purposes beyond traditional flood control. Completed in 1993, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 12 feet and spans 245 feet across Dugout Creek. With a storage capacity of 1,090 acre-feet, the dam helps regulate water flow in the area, maintaining a normal storage volume of 243 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 94.3 acres.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Dugout Creek Wetland Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced at the state level to ensure its structural integrity and safety. While the dam has a low hazard potential, a moderate risk assessment rating suggests ongoing management measures are in place to address potential concerns. The dam's location in Dickinson County, along with its role in regulating flow on TR-Dugout Creek, highlights its importance in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

Overall, Dugout Creek Wetland Dam stands as an essential piece of infrastructure in Iowa's water management system, providing not only flood control benefits but also contributing to wetland conservation and ecological restoration efforts. As a federally-owned structure with state oversight, the dam exemplifies the collaborative approach needed to address water resource challenges while balancing environmental considerations and community safety in the face of a changing climate.