Scs-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-74 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-74, located in Noble, 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 1962, this dam stands at a height of 36 feet and spans a length of 1070 feet, with a storage capacity of 285 acre-feet. The dam is situated on TR-Mule Creek and is under the jurisdiction of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board.

With a significant hazard potential and a fair condition assessment, SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-74 poses a very high risk, according to the data. The dam features a controlled spillway and is equipped with a single valve outlet gate for water management. Despite its age, the dam undergoes inspections every three years to ensure its structural integrity and functionality in times of emergency. The site's risk management measures and emergency action plan status are not specified, indicating a potential area for improvement in ensuring the safety and resilience of the dam.

As part of the flood risk reduction infrastructure in the area, SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-74 plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding community from potential inundation and water-related disasters. The dam's location in Sumner, Oklahoma, highlights the importance of effective water resource management and climate adaptation strategies in safeguarding lives and property. With ongoing regulatory oversight and periodic inspections, this dam serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness between water resources, climate resilience, and public safety in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

1070

Dam Height

36

River Or Stream

TR-MULE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

36

Nid Storage

285

Structural Height

36

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

36
       
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.