Soap Creek Watershed Site 90-102 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Soap Creek Watershed Site 90-102 in Wapello, Iowa, is a local government-owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Completed in 2007, this dam stands at a height of 30 feet and spans 365 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 92 acre-feet. Situated on a tributary to Little Soap Creek, this structure plays a crucial role in managing water flow and reducing the risk of flooding in the area. With a low hazard potential and not yet rated in terms of condition assessment, this dam serves as an essential infrastructure for water resource management in the region.

Located in the Rock Island District, this watershed site is under the jurisdiction of the Iowa DNR for regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The surrounding area benefits from the dam's ability to control discharge and store water during periods of high flow, ultimately protecting downstream communities and ecosystems from potential flood damage. With a spillway width of 16 feet and a drainage area of 0.38 square miles, this site demonstrates a commitment to sustainable water resource management and climate resilience.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Soap Creek Watershed Site 90-102 serves as a prime example of effective infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the state of Iowa. Managed by local government authorities and designed by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam plays a crucial role in mitigating the impact of extreme weather events and ensuring the safety of nearby residents. With its strategic location on a tributary to Little Soap Creek, this site highlights the importance of proactive measures in managing water resources and adapting to the challenges posed by a changing climate.

Year Completed

2007

Dam Length

365

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

Trib to Little Soap Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Drainage Area

0.38

Nid Storage

92

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

30
       
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.