Scs-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-21 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-21, located in Noble, Oklahoma, is a state-regulated dam designed by USDA NRCS in 1972 for flood risk reduction along the TR-Black Bear Creek.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a length of 900 feet, providing a storage capacity of 523 acre-feet. With a controlled spillway and a valve outlet gate, the dam has a low hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating.
Despite being last inspected in 1999, with an inspection frequency of 5 years, the condition assessment of SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-21 is not rated. The emergency action plan status and risk management measures are not specified, indicating a potential area for improvement. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate, it is vital to monitor and maintain the infrastructure of such dams to ensure their effectiveness in mitigating flood risks and protecting the surrounding areas.
With the involvement of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) in state regulatory oversight, the dam's functionality and safety are ensured through state permitting, inspection, and enforcement actions. The site's risk assessment highlights the importance of proactive measures to address potential vulnerabilities and enhance resilience to extreme weather events. As advocates for sustainable water resource management, staying informed about the condition and management of dams like SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-21 is crucial for better preparedness in the face of changing climate patterns.
Year Completed |
1972 |
Dam Length |
900 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BLACK BEAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
22 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Nid Storage |
523 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Skeleton Creek At Enid
|
6cfs |
Salt Fork Arkansas River At Tonkawa
|
523cfs |
Skeleton Creek Near Lovell
|
27cfs |
Cimarron River Near Guthrie
|
465cfs |
Chikaskia River Near Blackwell
|
234cfs |
Black Bear Creek At Pawnee
|
11cfs |
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-21