Soap Creek Watershed Site 26-55 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Soap Creek Watershed Site 26-55, located in Eldon, Iowa, is a Grade Stabilization dam designed by the USDA NRCS in 2007.


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Summary

The dam, primarily owned by local government, serves the purpose of Flood Risk Reduction and Grade Stabilization along Coon Creek. With a height of 40 feet and a length of 1000 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 883 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.8 square miles.

Managed by the Iowa DNR, this earth dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. Despite not having a formal Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, the dam's risk assessment is moderate, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance. With a spillway width of 4 feet, the dam is equipped to handle uncontrolled releases during peak flow events, ensuring the safety of downstream communities.

While the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks detailed risk management measures, its presence plays a crucial role in safeguarding the local area from flooding and erosion. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is important to stay informed about the condition of infrastructure like Soap Creek Watershed Site 26-55 to ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of our water resources in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

2007

Dam Length

1000

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

Coon Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20.5

Drainage Area

1.8

Nid Storage

883

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

40
       
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.