Scs-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-73 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-73, located in Noble, Oklahoma, is a state-regulated dam designed by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction along TR-Mule Creek.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1968, this earth dam stands at a height of 36 feet and has a storage capacity of 364 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 57 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 significant hazard potential and fair condition assessment, SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-73 has not undergone recent inspections, with the last one conducted in July 2011. The dam's risk assessment stands at a very high level, emphasizing the need for proactive risk management measures. With a history of state permitting, inspection, and enforcement, this dam plays a crucial role in managing flood risk in the area, under the jurisdiction of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) and the oversight of the Natural Resources Conservation Service. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, this site serves as a significant example of infrastructure designed for flood risk reduction and the importance of ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure public safety and environmental protection.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

1030

Dam Height

36

River Or Stream

TR-MULE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Hydraulic Height

36

Nid Storage

364

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.