Soap Creek Watershed Site 26-52 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Soap Creek Watershed Site 26-52, located in Selma, Iowa, is a crucial structure designed by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction in the area.


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Summary

Completed in 2011, this earth dam stands at a height of 28 feet with a length of 420 feet, providing a storage capacity of 117 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 4 acres. The dam plays a significant role in managing water flow and reducing the risk of flooding in the region, making it a vital asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts.

Managed by the Iowa DNR and falling under state jurisdiction, Soap Creek Watershed Site 26-52 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with safety standards. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is currently not rated, this dam serves as a reliable flood control measure for the surrounding areas. Its strategic location near the Tr to Bear Creek river/stream further enhances its effectiveness in mitigating flood risks and protecting the community from potential water-related disasters.

As a part of the broader water management efforts in the region, Soap Creek Watershed Site 26-52 stands out as a key infrastructure for flood risk reduction. With its purposeful design, state-regulated operations, and low hazard potential, this dam exemplifies the importance of proactive water resource management in safeguarding communities against the impact of extreme weather events and climate change. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, this site serves as a noteworthy example of sustainable infrastructure for resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

Year Completed

2011

Dam Length

420

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

Tr to Bear Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Drainage Area

0.38

Nid Storage

117

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

28
       
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.