Scs-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-46 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 11, 2025
SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-46, located in Noble, Oklahoma, is a state-regulated earth dam constructed in 1965 by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction along TR-Black Bear Creek.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
With a dam height of 38 feet and a length of 1600 feet, this structure serves a primary purpose of flood risk reduction and has a normal storage capacity of 116 acre-feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 524 acre-feet. The dam features a controlled spillway and a single valve outlet gate for water release.
Despite being rated as having a low hazard potential, the risk assessment for SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-46 indicates a very high risk level. The dam has not been inspected since November 1999, with an inspection frequency of 5 years. Although the condition of the dam is currently not rated, it is under state jurisdiction and inspection, enforcement, and permitting are all in place. The dam is situated in an area represented by Congressman Frank D. Lucas, providing a crucial role in managing water resources and climate-related threats in the region.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management and regulation of dams will find SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-46 to be an intriguing case study. With its location along TR-Black Bear Creek and its important role in flood risk reduction, this earth dam serves as a vital infrastructure for water management in Noble, Oklahoma. Despite its dated construction in 1965, the dam continues to play a significant role in mitigating potential flood risks, although its risk assessment highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
1600 |
Dam Height |
38 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BLACK BEAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
14 |
Hydraulic Height |
38 |
Nid Storage |
524 |
Structural Height |
38 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
38 |
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 |
Chikaskia River Near Blackwell
|
231cfs |
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-46