Scs-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-56 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 11, 2025
SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-56, located in Noble, Oklahoma, is a state-regulated dam designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of Flood Risk Reduction.
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Summary
Completed in 1969, this Earth dam stands at a height of 24 feet and has a length of 1060 feet. With a storage capacity of 380 acre-feet, the dam serves to mitigate flood risks in the area along the TR-WARREN CREEK river or stream.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam at SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-56 is noted for its very high risk level, with a risk assessment ranking of 1. The condition of the dam has not been rated, with the last inspection conducted in 1999. The dam features a controlled spillway, a valve outlet, and has not been modified in recent years. The dam is managed by the OWRB, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement mechanisms in place to ensure its safety and functionality.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-56 presents an intriguing case study of a state-regulated dam designed for flood risk reduction in Oklahoma. The dam's design, construction, and management by the Natural Resources Conservation Service showcase efforts to protect local communities from potential flooding events. The dam's high risk level highlights the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness in mitigating flood hazards.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
1060 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WARREN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
18 |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Nid Storage |
380 |
Structural Height |
24 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Skeleton Creek Near Lovell
|
27cfs |
Skeleton Creek At Enid
|
7cfs |
Salt Fork Arkansas River At Tonkawa
|
519cfs |
Cimarron River Near Guthrie
|
477cfs |
Black Bear Creek At Pawnee
|
10cfs |
Cottonwood Creek Near Seward
|
67cfs |
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-56