Soap Creek Watershed Site 90-75 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Soap Creek Watershed Site 90-75 in Selma, 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 stands at a height of 30 feet, with a length of 545 feet and a storage capacity of 285 acre-feet. Situated in Wapello County, this watershed site plays a crucial role in protecting the region from potential flooding events, with a low hazard potential and uncontrolled outlet gates.

With a drainage area of 0.82 square miles and a maximum discharge of 375 cubic feet per second, Soap Creek Watershed Site 90-75 offers flood risk reduction benefits while also providing a surface area of 11 acres for water retention. The dam, constructed with stone core and soil foundation, is regulated by the Iowa DNR and meets all state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. Its location in the Tr to Brush Creek tributary ensures a strategic position for managing water resources and climate impacts in the area.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to monitor and assess the effectiveness of Soap Creek Watershed Site 90-75, its importance in flood risk reduction and water management will remain a focal point. With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, this structure serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts between local government agencies and the USDA NRCS in safeguarding communities against potential water-related disasters. The site's completion and functionality underscore the ongoing commitment to sustainable water resource management practices in Iowa.

Year Completed

2011

Dam Length

545

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

Tr to Brush Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Drainage Area

0.82

Nid Storage

285

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

30
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.