Soap Creek Watershed Site 26-44 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Soap Creek Watershed Site 26-44, located in Davis County, Iowa, is a crucial infrastructure project designed by the USDA NRCS to address flood risk reduction in the area.


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Summary

Completed in 2003, this earth dam stands at 45 feet high with a length of 668 feet, providing storage capacity of 256 acre-feet and serving a drainage area of 0.5 square miles along the TR-Bear Creek. Despite its modest size, the dam plays a significant role in mitigating flood hazards in the region.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Soap Creek Watershed Site 26-44 is regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its functionality and safety. Its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment further emphasize its importance in protecting the local community from potential flooding events. While the dam's condition remains unrated, ongoing risk management measures are in place to address any potential issues that may arise.

With its uncontrolled spillway and limited emergency preparedness features, Soap Creek Watershed Site 26-44 embodies the collaborative efforts between local government agencies and the USDA NRCS in safeguarding the environment and local communities from the impacts of extreme weather events. As climate change continues to pose challenges to water resource management, the presence of such infrastructure highlights the importance of proactive measures in building resilience against future climate-related risks.

Year Completed

2003

Dam Length

668

Dam Height

45

River Or Stream

TR- BEAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Drainage Area

0.5

Nid Storage

256

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

45
       
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.