Soap Creek Watershed Site 90-85 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Soap Creek Watershed Site 90-85, located in Selma, Iowa, is a flood risk reduction structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 2011.


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Summary

This earth dam spans 837 feet in length and stands at a height of 39 feet, with a storage capacity of 876 acre-feet and a drainage area of 2.38 square miles. Situated on Little Soap Creek, this low hazard potential dam is owned by the local government and regulated by the Iowa DNR.

With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, Soap Creek Watershed Site 90-85 plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential inundation. The dam features uncontrolled outlet gates and a spillway width of 30 feet, ensuring effective water management during periods of heavy rainfall. Despite being not rated for condition assessment, the structure has not undergone any modifications since its completion and maintains a low hazard potential.

As an essential component of water resource management in Wapello County, Soap Creek Watershed Site 90-85 serves as a testament to collaborative efforts between local government and federal agencies in safeguarding communities against the impacts of climate change. With its strategic location and design, this flood risk reduction structure stands as a vital asset in mitigating the risks associated with increasing precipitation and ensuring the resilience of the Soap Creek watershed for years to come.

Year Completed

2011

Dam Length

837

Dam Height

39

River Or Stream

Little Soap Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

26

Drainage Area

2.38

Nid Storage

876

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

39
       
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.