Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-84 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-84, located in Selma, Iowa, is a vital flood risk reduction structure designed by the USDA NRCS in 2009.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 32 feet and spans 485 feet, with a storage capacity of 83 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction and is regulated by the Iowa DNR, ensuring that it meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement standards.
Situated in the Appanoose County of Iowa, this dam on Tr to Buzzard Creek plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region, with a drainage area of 0.38 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential, the condition assessment of Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-84 is currently not rated. The structure's capacity to store 12 acre-feet of water under normal conditions helps protect the surrounding area from potential flooding events, while also contributing to the overall resilience of the local ecosystem.
With its strategic location and effective design, Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-84 stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions. As climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates, it is crucial to recognize the role of such structures in safeguarding communities and ecosystems against the impacts of extreme weather events. By understanding and supporting initiatives like this dam, we can work towards a more resilient and sustainable future for our water resources and the environment as a whole.
Year Completed |
2009 |
Dam Length |
485 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
Tr to Buzzard Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Drainage Area |
0.38 |
Nid Storage |
83 |
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 4-84
Rathbun Lake Near Rathbun
200th Avenue Appanoose County