Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-111 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-111, located in the picturesque county of Appanoose, Iowa, is a vital water resource managed by the local government for multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond maintenance.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Constructed in 1992 by the USDA NRCS, this Earth dam stands at a height of 29 feet and spans a length of 386 feet, with a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet. The dam, situated on the TR-South Soap Creek, serves to reduce flood risk in the region and covers a drainage area of 0.28 square miles.

Managed by the Iowa DNR, Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-111 boasts a low hazard potential and is rated as 'Moderate (3)' in terms of risk assessment. Though not currently inspected or rated for condition, the dam is regulated, permitted, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safe operation. With a surface area of 4.1 acres and a normal storage capacity of 22 acre-feet, this site plays a crucial role in water management and conservation efforts in the region.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the strategic location and purpose of Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-111, which not only supports local agriculture and wildlife but also contributes to the overall resilience of the area against flooding events. As a part of the broader conservation efforts led by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this site exemplifies the importance of sustainable water management practices in safeguarding ecosystems and communities against the impacts of climate change.

Year Completed

1992

Dam Length

386

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

TR-SOUTH SOAP CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.1

Drainage Area

0.28

Nid Storage

80

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

29
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.