Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-86, located in Selma, Iowa, is a local government-owned dam designed by the USDA NRCS to primarily serve as a flood risk reduction structure. Completed in 2010, this earthen dam stands at a height of 30 feet and spans a length of 900 feet, with a storage capacity of 115 acre-feet. With a drainage area of 0.41 square miles and a maximum discharge of 39 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow in the region.

Managed by the Iowa DNR, Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-86 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with safety standards. Despite being labeled as having a low hazard potential and not yet rated for its condition, this dam continues to contribute to flood risk reduction efforts in the area. With its foundations resting on soil and core made of stone, this dam serves as a key component in protecting the surrounding community from potential water-related disasters.

With its location in the Appanoose County, the Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-86 is a vital infrastructure that enhances water resource management in the region. As a part of the flood risk reduction system, this dam showcases the collaborative efforts between local government entities and federal agencies like the USDA NRCS. By maintaining this structure and ensuring its proper operation, stakeholders work towards safeguarding the community from the impacts of extreme weather events and climate change.