Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-57b Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-57b, located in Appanoose County, Iowa, is a key structure designed by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction along the TR- North Soap Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1992, this earth dam stands at a height of 29 feet and spans 406 feet, with a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet. The primary purpose of this dam is flood risk reduction, but it also serves fire protection and provides a source for small fish ponds or livestock.

With a low hazard potential, Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-57b has not been rated for condition assessment, but its risk level is moderate. The dam has not been modified since its completion and lacks certain emergency preparedness measures, such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP). Despite these shortcomings, the dam's structural integrity and functionality are maintained by the Iowa DNR, which regulates, inspects, and enforces state laws to ensure public safety and environmental protection in the region. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, this site offers a unique opportunity to study the intersection of infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and community resilience in managing water resources in Iowa's diverse landscape.

Year Completed

1992

Dam Length

406

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

TR- NORTH SOAP CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.2

Drainage Area

0.23

Nid Storage

65

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.