Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-98 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-98, located in Appanoose County, Iowa, is a vital flood risk reduction structure managed by the local government with assistance from the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

Completed in 2005, this earth dam stands at a height of 33 feet, with a length of 635 feet, and a storage capacity of 657 acre-feet. Situated on Morman Creek, this dam plays a crucial role in stabilizing grades and reducing the risk of flooding in the surrounding area.

The dam, constructed with a stone core and soil foundation, covers a drainage area of 2.31 square miles and has a surface area of 24.1 acres. Classified as having a low hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, this structure is regulated, permitted, and inspected by the Iowa DNR to ensure its functionality and safety. While currently not rated for condition assessment, it serves as a key component in the water resource management strategy for the region.

Managed by the local government and designed by the USDA NRCS, Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-98 is a testament to collaborative efforts in water resource management. With its primary purpose of flood risk reduction and grade stabilization, this earth dam serves as a critical infrastructure to safeguard the community against potential flooding events. Despite its low hazard potential, ongoing regulatory oversight and maintenance ensure the continued effectiveness of this structure in mitigating flood risks in the region.

Year Completed

2005

Dam Length

635

Dam Height

33

River Or Stream

MORMAN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

24.1

Drainage Area

2.31

Nid Storage

657

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

33
       
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.