Scs-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-39 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 18, 2025
SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-39 is a state-regulated dam located in Garfield, Oklahoma, with the primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Built in 1971 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 40 feet and has a length of 1800 feet, providing a storage capacity of 1884 acre-feet. The dam is equipped with a controlled spillway and a valve outlet gate for water management.
Despite having a low hazard potential, the dam at SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-39 poses a very high risk due to its location and potential impact on downstream areas. The condition of the dam is currently not rated, with the last inspection conducted in 1980. While the dam meets state regulatory standards for permitting, inspection, and enforcement, there is a need for updated emergency action plans and risk assessment to ensure public safety in case of a dam failure.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-39 serves as a fascinating case study in dam infrastructure and risk management. With its unique design and historical significance, this dam highlights the importance of regular inspections, emergency preparedness, and risk mitigation strategies in safeguarding communities and the environment from potential water-related disasters.
Year Completed |
1971 |
Dam Length |
1800 |
Dam Height |
40 |
River Or Stream |
CROW CR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
57 |
Hydraulic Height |
40 |
Nid Storage |
1884 |
Structural Height |
40 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
40 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Skeleton Creek At Enid
|
6cfs |
Skeleton Creek Near Lovell
|
27cfs |
Salt Fork Arkansas River At Tonkawa
|
498cfs |
Cimarron River Near Guthrie
|
453cfs |
Cimarron River Near Dover
|
304cfs |
Chikaskia River Near Blackwell
|
231cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Scs-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-39