Scs-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-17 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 9, 2025
SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-17, located in Noble, Oklahoma, is a state-regulated dam designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 1963, this earth dam stands at a height of 31 feet and has a storage capacity of 308 acre-feet. It spans a length of 970 feet and has a controlled spillway with a width of 1 foot. Despite being assessed as having a low hazard potential, the dam is categorized as a very high risk, indicating the need for proactive risk management measures.
The dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," with the last inspection conducted in 1999 on a 5-year frequency. The dam has one valve outlet gate and is not associated with any other structures. While the risk of the dam is deemed very high, the hazard potential remains low, suggesting a need for updated risk assessment and management measures. With the dam situated along the TR-Black Bear Creek, it plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction efforts in the area, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its effectiveness and safety for the surrounding community and water resources.
Overall, SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-17 serves as a vital infrastructure for flood control in the region, with its design and construction overseen by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. As a state-regulated dam, it falls under the jurisdiction of the OWRB in Oklahoma. Despite being completed over five decades ago, the dam continues to play a significant role in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks along the Black Bear Creek, demonstrating the enduring importance of such structures in safeguarding communities and the environment from the impacts of extreme weather events.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
970 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BLACK BEAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12 |
Hydraulic Height |
31 |
Nid Storage |
308 |
Structural Height |
31 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
31 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Salt Fork Arkansas River At Tonkawa
|
539cfs |
Skeleton Creek Near Lovell
|
28cfs |
Skeleton Creek At Enid
|
6cfs |
Black Bear Creek At Pawnee
|
10cfs |
Chikaskia River Near Blackwell
|
234cfs |
Cimarron River Near Guthrie
|
483cfs |
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-17