Soap Creek Watershed Site 26-53 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Soap Creek Watershed Site 26-53, located in Selma, Iowa, is a local government-owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS to mitigate flood risks in the region.


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Summary

Completed in 2011, this dam stands at a height of 31 feet and has a length of 415 feet, providing a storage capacity of 37 acre-feet. Situated in the Bear Creek tributary, this dam serves as a crucial flood risk reduction infrastructure in the area.

With a drainage area of 0.16 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 100 cubic feet per second, Soap Creek Watershed Site 26-53 plays a vital role in managing water flow and protecting surrounding lands from potential flooding events. Despite its low hazard potential and not yet rated condition assessment, this dam serves as a key component in the water resource management of the region, ensuring the safety and resilience of the local community against adverse weather conditions.

While lacking certain inspection and emergency preparedness data, Soap Creek Watershed Site 26-53 remains a pivotal structure in the region's water resource infrastructure. With its primary purpose focused on flood risk reduction, this earth dam reflects the collaborative efforts of local government and the USDA NRCS to safeguard the community from potential water-related hazards, showcasing the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climatic conditions.

Year Completed

2011

Dam Length

415

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

Trib to Bear Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Drainage Area

0.16

Nid Storage

37

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

31
       
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.