Soap Creek Watershed Site 90-79b Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Soap Creek Watershed Site 90-79b is a local government-owned structure in Wapello, Iowa, designed by USDA NRCS to address flood risk reduction in the area.


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Summary

Completed in 2007, this earth dam stands at a height of 38 feet and spans 535 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 484 acre-feet. Situated along Tr-Brush Creek, the dam serves to protect the surrounding area from potential inundation during periods of high discharge, with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Soap Creek Watershed Site 90-79b is subject to state regulations, permitting, inspection, and enforcement, ensuring its structural integrity and continued functionality. Despite not being rated for condition assessment, the dam is deemed to meet safety guidelines, although emergency preparedness measures such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and inundation maps are yet to be formulated. With a controlled spillway width of 30 feet and a drainage area of 1.38 square miles, this site plays a crucial role in safeguarding the local community from potential flooding events, highlighting the importance of water resource management in the face of climate change challenges.

Year Completed

2007

Dam Length

535

Dam Height

38

River Or Stream

Tr-Brush Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Drainage Area

1.38

Nid Storage

484

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

38
       
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.