Soap Creek Watershed Site 8-76a Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Soap Creek Watershed Site 8-76a, located in Monroe County, Iowa, is a critical structure designed by the USDA NRCS to mitigate flood risk along the Tributary to Boyd Branch.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 2007, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and spans a length of 395 feet, providing a storage capacity of 57 acre-feet. With a drainage area of 0.22 square miles, the dam serves to protect the surrounding area from potential inundation during periods of high discharge, with a maximum discharge rate of 101 cubic feet per second.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Iowa DNR, Soap Creek Watershed Site 8-76a has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. Despite lacking a detailed emergency action plan and updated contact information, the dam remains a crucial component of the region's flood risk reduction strategy. With a primary purpose focused on flood risk mitigation, this structure plays a vital role in safeguarding the community of Selma and its residents from the impacts of extreme weather events.
As a part of the Rock Island District and overseen by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Soap Creek Watershed Site 8-76a exemplifies the collaborative efforts between federal and state agencies to address water resource management and climate resilience. With ongoing state inspections and enforcement measures in place, this dam serves as a testament to the importance of proactive infrastructure development in safeguarding vulnerable communities against the increasing threat of flooding in a changing climate.
Year Completed |
2007 |
Dam Length |
395 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
Trib to Boyd Branch |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Drainage Area |
0.22 |
Nid Storage |
57 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Chariton River Near Rathbun
|
15cfs |
Des Moines River At Ottumwa
|
1090cfs |
Chariton River Near Moulton
|
34cfs |
Fox River At Bloomfield
|
7cfs |
Cedar Creek Near Bussey
|
11cfs |
Des Moines River Near Tracy
|
1400cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Soap Creek Watershed Site 8-76a