Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-113 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-113, located in Appanoose County, Iowa, is a vital earth dam constructed in 1992 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.


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Summary

Managed by the local government and designed by the USDA NRCS, this dam plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction in the region. With a height of 33 feet and a length of 526 feet, it has a storage capacity of 259 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 8.9 acres, serving a drainage area of 0.82 square miles.

Owned and regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-113 has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment score of 3. While the dam's condition has not been rated, its risk management measures and emergency preparedness status remain unspecified. Situated along TR-South Soap Creek, this site is inspected, permitted, and enforced by state agencies, ensuring its structural integrity and operational functionality. This dam's location in the Rock Island District makes it a key asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in sustainable water management practices in the region.

In conclusion, Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-113 stands as a critical infrastructure project that enhances water security and environmental resilience in Appanoose County, Iowa. With its primary purpose of fire protection and flood risk reduction, this earth dam represents a collaborative effort between local government and federal agencies like the USDA NRCS. As a regulated and monitored structure, it plays a significant role in mitigating potential risks and safeguarding the surrounding community from adverse water-related events. For those passionate about water resources and climate resilience, this site serves as a compelling example of effective watershed management and conservation efforts in the heart of the Midwest.

Year Completed

1992

Dam Length

526

Dam Height

33

River Or Stream

TR-SOUTH SOAP CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8.9

Drainage Area

0.82

Nid Storage

259

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

33
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.