Scs-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-24 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-24 is a state-regulated dam located in Garfield, Oklahoma, designed by USDA NRCS in 1963 for flood risk reduction on TR-Black Bear Creek.


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Summary

This Earth-type dam stands at 35 feet high and 1350 feet long, with a storage capacity of 664 acre-feet and a normal storage of 125 acre-feet. The dam features a controlled spillway and a single valve outlet gate for water management.

Despite its low hazard potential, SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-24 poses a very high risk with a risk assessment rating of 1. The dam has not been inspected since January 1980 and is currently not rated for its condition. While emergency action plans and risk management measures are not specified, the dam is under state jurisdiction and subject to permitting, inspection, and enforcement by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, this site provides an interesting case study in dam infrastructure and risk assessment in the state of Oklahoma.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

1350

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

TR-BLACK BEAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

24

Hydraulic Height

35

Nid Storage

664

Structural Height

35

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

35
       
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.