Soap Creek Watershed Site 68-49 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Soap Creek Watershed Site 68-49 is a local government-owned dam located in Eldon, Iowa, within the Monroe county.


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Summary

Constructed in 1997 by USDA NRCS, this Earth-type dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and flood risk reduction. With a dam height of 24 feet and a storage capacity of 52 acre-feet, this structure covers a surface area of 2.2 acres and drains a 0.19 square mile area.

Managed by the Iowa DNR, Soap Creek Watershed Site 68-49 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state authority to ensure its safe operation. Despite being rated as low hazard potential with moderate risk assessment, the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated. With a spillway type of uncontrolled, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the TR-SOAP CREEK stream and contributes to the overall flood risk reduction efforts in the region.

Although the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks emergency action plans, it remains a significant asset for water resource management in the Soap Creek Watershed area. As an essential structure for fire protection, stock, and fish pond purposes, this dam underscores the importance of sustainable water infrastructure in mitigating climate-related risks and ensuring the resilience of local communities in the face of changing climatic conditions.

Year Completed

1997

Dam Length

429

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

TR- SOAP CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.2

Drainage Area

0.19

Nid Storage

52

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

24
       
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.