Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-73 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-73, located in Appanoose County, Iowa, is a flood risk reduction structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 2005.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at 27 feet tall and stretches 800 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 83 acre-feet. Situated on the TR- North Soap Creek, this dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction and grade stabilization in the region.

Owned and regulated by the local government, specifically the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-73 has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. With a drainage area of 0.31 square miles and a surface area of 5.1 acres, this structure plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area. Despite not currently being rated for condition assessment, this dam continues to provide essential flood protection for the surrounding community of SELMA.

With its uncontrolled spillway type and stone core construction, Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-73 is a vital piece of infrastructure in the region's water resource management system. Although not currently inspected or assessed for condition, this dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between federal and local agencies in mitigating flood risks and ensuring the safety of residents in Appanoose County, Iowa.

Year Completed

2005

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

TR- NORTH SOAP CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.1

Drainage Area

0.31

Nid Storage

83

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

27
       
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.