Scs-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-38 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 18, 2025
SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-38 is a state-regulated earth dam located in Garfield County, Oklahoma, specifically in the city of Sumner.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Built in 1964 by USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a height of 24 feet and stretches 1250 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 263 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, serving to mitigate potential flooding in the area along TR-Black Bear Creek.
Despite its age, SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-38 is classified as having a low hazard potential, with a very high risk assessment rating of 1. The dam's condition is currently not rated, as the last inspection took place on January 1, 1980. It is equipped with a controlled spillway and a single valve outlet gate for water release. While it is not under the jurisdiction of a federal agency, the state regulatory agency OWRB oversees its permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes to ensure public safety and environmental protection.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-38 to be an intriguing case study of a state-regulated earth dam designed for flood risk reduction in Oklahoma. The dam's historical significance, design features, and risk assessment provide valuable insights into water management practices and the importance of maintaining infrastructure for disaster mitigation. As climate change continues to impact precipitation patterns and intensify extreme weather events, understanding the role of structures like SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-38 becomes increasingly crucial in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from the potential threats of flooding.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
1250 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BLACK BEAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
14 |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Nid Storage |
263 |
Structural Height |
24 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Skeleton Creek At Enid
|
6cfs |
Skeleton Creek Near Lovell
|
28cfs |
Salt Fork Arkansas River At Tonkawa
|
372cfs |
Cimarron River Near Dover
|
296cfs |
Cimarron River Near Guthrie
|
425cfs |
Chikaskia River Near Blackwell
|
193cfs |
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-38