Scs-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-15 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-15, located in Noble, Oklahoma, is a state-regulated earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Completed in 1968, this dam stands at 36 feet in height and spans 1000 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 253 acre-feet. The dam, situated on the TR-Black Bear Creek, features a controlled spillway and a single valve outlet gate, with a maximum discharge capacity of 606 cubic feet per second.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the risk assessment for SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-15 indicates a very high risk level (1). This suggests a need for continued monitoring and potentially the implementation of risk management measures to ensure the safety and stability of the structure. Although the condition assessment is currently marked as "Not Rated," the last inspection date recorded was in November 1999, with an inspection frequency of every 5 years.
Overall, SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-15 serves as a critical infrastructure for flood mitigation in the region, with a focus on protecting the surrounding area from potential inundation. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is important to recognize the significance of such structures in managing water flow and safeguarding against the impacts of extreme weather events. Continued attention to maintenance and risk assessment will be essential in ensuring the long-term resilience of this essential piece of infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
1000 |
Dam Height |
36 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BLACK BEAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11 |
Hydraulic Height |
36 |
Nid Storage |
253 |
Structural Height |
36 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
36 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Salt Fork Arkansas River At Tonkawa
|
569cfs |
Black Bear Creek At Pawnee
|
11cfs |
Skeleton Creek Near Lovell
|
28cfs |
Arkansas River At Ralston
|
1660cfs |
Skeleton Creek At Enid
|
6cfs |
Cimarron River Near Ripley
|
528cfs |
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-15