Scs-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-41 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-41, located in Sumner, Oklahoma, is a state-regulated earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction along Panther Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1979, this dam stands at 56 feet high with a length of 1430 feet, providing a storage capacity of 4026 acre-feet and a surface area of 80 acres. The dam features a controlled spillway and a valve outlet gate, with a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that has not been rated.
Despite its age, SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-41 remains a vital infrastructure for managing flood risks in Garfield County, Oklahoma. With a maximum discharge capacity of 8675 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding areas from potential flooding events. Although the last inspection date was in 1980, the dam is still considered to have a very high risk level, emphasizing the importance of regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness in flood risk reduction.
Overall, SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-41 serves as a significant asset in the state's water resource management efforts, showcasing the collaboration between federal and state agencies in safeguarding communities against the impacts of extreme weather events. With its strategic location and design features, this dam exemplifies the critical role that infrastructure plays in mitigating flood risks and protecting the environment and public safety in Oklahoma.
Year Completed |
1979 |
Dam Length |
1430 |
Dam Height |
56 |
River Or Stream |
PANTHER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
80 |
Hydraulic Height |
56 |
Nid Storage |
4026 |
Structural Height |
56 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
56 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Skeleton Creek At Enid
|
4cfs |
Skeleton Creek Near Lovell
|
27cfs |
Salt Fork Arkansas River At Tonkawa
|
464cfs |
Cimarron River Near Guthrie
|
459cfs |
Cimarron River Near Dover
|
312cfs |
Cottonwood Creek Near Seward
|
66cfs |
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-41