Soap Creek Watershed Site 90-87 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Soap Creek Watershed Site 90-87, located in Wapello, Iowa, is a vital structure managed by the local government to regulate water resources in the area.
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Summary
Designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1994, this earth dam stands at a height of 23 feet and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, or small fish pond, flood risk reduction, and more. With a drainage area of 0.3 square miles and a maximum storage capacity of 85 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in water management in the region.
Situated on the TR- Little Soap Creek, the Soap Creek Watershed Site 90-87 is regulated by the Iowa DNR and undergoes state permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes to ensure its proper functioning and safety. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, this structure is essential for maintaining water quality, mitigating flooding risks, and supporting the local ecosystem. Despite not being rated for condition assessment, this site remains a key component in the overall water resource management strategy in the area.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Soap Creek Watershed Site 90-87 is a critical infrastructure in the region, with a surface area of 4.6 acres and a normal storage capacity of 19 acre-feet. While it currently does not have an Emergency Action Plan in place, it is important for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor and support the maintenance and upkeep of this dam to ensure its continued effectiveness in water management and environmental conservation efforts.
Year Completed |
1994 |
Dam Length |
504 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
TR- LITTLE SOAP CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.6 |
Drainage Area |
0.3 |
Nid Storage |
85 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
23 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Des Moines River At Ottumwa
|
1090cfs |
Fox River At Bloomfield
|
7cfs |
Chariton River Near Rathbun
|
15cfs |
Chariton River Near Moulton
|
34cfs |
Cedar Creek Near Bussey
|
11cfs |
Des Moines River Near Tracy
|
1400cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Lake Wapello State Park Campground
|
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Lake Wapello State Park
|
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Drakesville City Park
|
Soap Creek Watershed Site 90-87