Soap Creek Watershed Site 90-79c Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Soap Creek Watershed Site 90-79c, located in Wapello, Iowa, is a key asset in flood risk reduction efforts in the area.


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Summary

Managed by the local government and designed by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 26 feet high and spans 400 feet in length. Completed in 2005, it has a storage capacity of 75 acre-feet and serves a drainage area of 0.33 square miles along the TR-BRUSH CREEK.

With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Soap Creek Watershed Site 90-79c plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the region. Although its condition is currently not rated, the dam is state-regulated and undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement by the Iowa DNR. Despite being uncontrolled, the spillway's 1-foot width and the structure's overall design ensure the safety and effectiveness of this flood control measure.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to monitor and assess the resilience of dams like Soap Creek Watershed Site 90-79c, it is evident that strategic investments and maintenance are essential to safeguarding communities from the impacts of extreme weather events. With proper management and proactive measures in place, this dam will continue to serve as a vital piece of infrastructure in protecting the surrounding area from flooding and ensuring the sustainable management of water resources in the region.

Year Completed

2005

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-BRUSH CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.1

Drainage Area

0.33

Nid Storage

75

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

26
       
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.