Soap Creek Watershed Site 90-73 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Soap Creek Watershed Site 90-73, located in Wapello, Iowa, is a vital flood risk reduction structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 2011.
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Summary
This earth dam, standing at a height of 28 feet and stretching 525 feet in length, plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. With a storage capacity of 229 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.67 square miles, this site serves as a key component in managing water resources in the region.
Managed by the Iowa DNR, Soap Creek Watershed Site 90-73 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its structural integrity and operational efficiency. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and not rated for its condition assessment, this dam remains a critical piece of infrastructure for flood control purposes. The site's location near the Tr to Brush Creek and its proximity to Selma underscore its importance in safeguarding the local community from potential water-related risks.
With a spillway width of 20 feet and uncontrolled outlet gates, this dam is equipped to handle maximum discharges of up to 218 cubic feet per second. While it has not undergone recent inspections or condition assessments, the Soap Creek Watershed Site 90-73 continues to fulfill its primary purpose of flood risk reduction effectively. As water resource and climate enthusiasts monitor and evaluate the resilience of such structures, this site stands as a testament to proactive measures taken to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events in the region.
Year Completed |
2011 |
Dam Length |
525 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
Tr to Brush Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Drainage Area |
0.67 |
Nid Storage |
229 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Des Moines River At Ottumwa
|
1090cfs |
Fox River At Bloomfield
|
7cfs |
Chariton River Near Rathbun
|
15cfs |
Chariton River Near Moulton
|
34cfs |
Cedar Creek Near Bussey
|
11cfs |
Des Moines River Near Tracy
|
1400cfs |
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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Drakesville City Park
|
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Lake Fisher
|
Soap Creek Watershed Site 90-73