Scs-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-43 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 16, 2025

The SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-43, located in Garfield County, Oklahoma, is a state-regulated earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Completed in 1961, this dam stands at a height of 42 feet and has a storage capacity of 1069 acre-feet. The dam's spillway type is controlled, with a width of 1 foot, and it is equipped with a single valve outlet gate.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam is considered to have a very high risk due to its location and potential impact in the event of a breach. The last inspection of the dam took place in 1980, with an inspection frequency of every 5 years. The condition assessment of the dam is currently listed as "Not Rated", highlighting the need for further evaluation and potential maintenance to ensure its continued safety and effectiveness in flood risk management. Climate and water resource enthusiasts may find interest in the historical and structural details of this important infrastructure.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

1280

Dam Height

42

River Or Stream

TR-PANTHER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

24

Hydraulic Height

42

Nid Storage

1069

Structural Height

42

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

42
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.