Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-81 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-81, located in Appanoose, Iowa, is a flood risk reduction structure designed by the USDA NRCS in 2007.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 32 feet and stretches for 440 feet, with a storage capacity of 118 acre-feet. Serving its primary purpose of flood risk reduction, this site is regulated by the Iowa DNR and is inspected, permitted, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and functionality. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," this site plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.
Situated in the Selma city area and part of the Tributary to Buzzard Creek, Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-81 covers a drainage area of 0.43 square miles and has a maximum discharge capacity of 108 cubic feet per second. The dam's spillway width of 14 feet helps manage excess water during heavy rainfall events, while its stone core and soil foundation provide structural stability. Despite not being rated for condition assessment, this site is crucial for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in flood risk reduction and watershed management efforts in Iowa.
Managed by the local government and funded by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-81 is a vital component in the flood risk reduction infrastructure of the region. With a well-maintained outlet gate system and a storage capacity of 29 acre-feet under normal conditions, this site ensures the safety and protection of the community against potential flooding events. As part of the Rock Island District, this earth dam serves as a critical piece of infrastructure in the ongoing efforts to manage water resources and climate impacts in the area.
Year Completed |
2007 |
Dam Length |
440 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
Trib to Buzzard Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Drainage Area |
0.43 |
Nid Storage |
118 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
32 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Lake Wapello State Park Campground
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Lake Wapello State Park
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Honey Creek State Park Campground
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Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-81
Rathbun Lake Near Rathbun
200th Avenue Appanoose County