Scs-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-14 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-14 is a state-regulated earth dam located in Noble, Oklahoma, designed by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

Completed in 1973 for flood risk reduction along the TR-Black Bear Creek, this dam stands at 38 feet high and has a storage capacity of 579 acre-feet. With a controlled spillway and a valve outlet gate, the dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as not assessed for condition.

The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, serving the community of SUMNER and surrounding areas. Although last inspected in 1980, the dam is maintained by the state regulatory agency, OWRB, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. The risk assessment for the dam is very high, indicating the importance of regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure its effectiveness in mitigating flood risks in the region.

Overall, SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-14 plays a crucial role in protecting the local area from potential flooding events. With a solid foundation of stone and soil, this earth dam continues to serve its purpose after nearly five decades since its completion, highlighting the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

930

Dam Height

38

River Or Stream

TR-BLACK BEAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Hydraulic Height

38

Nid Storage

579

Structural Height

38

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

38
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.