Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-90b Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-90b is a flood risk reduction structure located in Selma, Iowa, within the Appanoose County.


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Summary

Completed in 2011 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet and spans a length of 385 feet, providing a storage capacity of 25 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with a drainage area of 0.11 square miles and a maximum discharge capability of 100 cubic feet per second.

Situated in the tributary to Soap Creek, this structure plays a crucial role in mitigating the risk of flooding in the region. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated", Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-90b is equipped to handle potential emergency situations. While the dam has not been assigned an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) or undergone a risk assessment, its construction and design by the Natural Resources Conservation Service indicate a commitment to water resource management and climate resilience in the area.

Overall, Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-90b serves as a vital asset in the local government's efforts to manage flood risks and protect the surrounding community. With a history of successful operation since its completion, this earth dam stands as a testament to the importance of proactive water resource planning and infrastructure development in safeguarding against the impacts of extreme weather events and climate variability in Iowa.

Year Completed

2011

Dam Length

385

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

Trib to Soap Cr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1

Drainage Area

0.11

Nid Storage

25

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

25
       
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.