Located in the beautiful Soap Creek Watershed in Iowa, Site 4-77 is a key piece of infrastructure designed by the USDA NRCS to reduce flood risks in the area. Completed in 2007, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and stretches over 470 feet, with a storage capacity of 109 acre-feet. The dam, part of the Tributary to Buzzard Creek, serves as a vital flood risk reduction mechanism for the local community in Selma, Appanoose County.

Managed by the Iowa DNR, this dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safety and functionality. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-77 plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. Despite not being currently rated for condition assessment, the dam continues to serve its primary purpose effectively, showcasing the importance of proper water resource management and infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.

With a spillway width of 12 feet and a drainage area of 0.4 square miles, this dam is equipped to handle a maximum discharge of 96 cubic feet per second. While there are no outlet gates associated with the structure, the dam's construction and design demonstrate a commitment to flood risk reduction and water resource management in the region. As climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates, it is essential to recognize the significance of sites like Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-77 in safeguarding communities and ecosystems against the impacts of a changing climate.