Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-91 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-91 in Iowa, managed by the USDA NRCS, is a flood risk reduction structure located in Appanoose County.


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Summary

Completed in 2005, this earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and spans 420 feet in length, with a maximum storage capacity of 37 acre-feet. While primarily serving the purpose of flood risk reduction, it also aids in grade stabilization along TR-Boyd Branch, contributing to the overall water management efforts in the region.

Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-91 has not been rated for its condition assessment. This structure operates with an uncontrolled spillway type and is not currently regulated or inspected by state agencies. With a drainage area of 0.14 square miles and a surface area of 2 acres, this site plays a crucial role in mitigating potential flooding impacts in the surrounding Selma community and beyond. As a valuable asset within the Rock Island District, it showcases the ongoing collaboration between local government and federal agencies in safeguarding water resources and enhancing climate resilience.

Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-91 serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts between the USDA NRCS and local government in addressing flood risk reduction and grade stabilization in the region. With its strategic location along TR-Boyd Branch in Appanoose County, Iowa, this earth dam provides essential water management functions while maintaining a low hazard potential. As climate change continues to pose challenges to water resources, structures like these play a vital role in enhancing community resilience and safeguarding against potential flood events.

Year Completed

2005

Dam Length

420

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

TR- BOYD BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Drainage Area

0.14

Nid Storage

37

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.