Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-44 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-44, located in Eldon, Iowa, is a critical flood risk reduction structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 2003.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and stretches 400 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 76 acre-feet. Situated along the Tr- Soap Creek, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and reducing the risk of flooding in the area.

Owned and regulated by the local government and the Iowa DNR, Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-44 boasts a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. Despite not being currently rated for condition assessment, this structure has been deemed essential for flood risk reduction in the region. With a surface area of 3.6 acres and a drainage area of 0.25 square miles, this dam serves as a vital component of the water resource management system in Appanoose County.

As a part of the Rock Island District, Soap Creek Watershed Site 4-44 stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local agencies in safeguarding communities from the impacts of extreme weather events. With its strategic location and design, this dam is a significant asset in protecting the surrounding areas from the potential devastation of flooding, showcasing the importance of sustainable water resource management practices in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

2003

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

Tr- Soap Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.6

Drainage Area

0.25

Nid Storage

76

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.