Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-40b Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-40b, located in Appanoose County, Iowa, is a vital water resource managed by the local government for multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond maintenance, as well as flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Constructed in 1998 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 26 feet and spans a length of 312 feet, providing a storage capacity of 59 acre-feet with a surface area of 2.9 acres. The dam is regulated by the Iowa DNR and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its operational integrity.
With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-40b plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. The dam, situated on TR- South Soap Creek, serves as a key infrastructure for water storage and flood control, contributing to the overall water management strategy in the area. Despite its age, the dam's condition is currently not rated, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to uphold its functionality and safety standards for the community.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-40b represents a collaborative effort to safeguard water resources and mitigate flood risks in the region. As a significant structure in the local watershed, this earth dam underscores the importance of proactive water management practices to ensure the resilience and sustainability of the surrounding ecosystem in the face of changing climate dynamics. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, this site serves as a compelling example of the intersection between infrastructure development, environmental stewardship, and community resilience in the context of water resources management.
Year Completed |
1998 |
Dam Length |
312 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TR- SOUTH SOAP CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2.9 |
Drainage Area |
0.23 |
Nid Storage |
59 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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
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Lake Wapello State Park Campground
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Honey Creek State Park Campground
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Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-40b
Rathbun Lake Near Rathbun
200th Avenue Appanoose County