Scs-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-65 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 9, 2025
Located in Noble, Oklahoma, the SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-65 is a state-regulated earth dam designed by USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Completed in 1975, this dam stands at a height of 41 feet and spans 1400 feet along Elm Creek. With a storage capacity of 877 acre-feet and a normal storage of 153 acre-feet, this structure plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the area.
Despite its low hazard potential, the SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-65 poses a very high risk, as indicated by a risk assessment rating of 1. With a controlled spillway and one valve for outlet gates, this dam has not been rated for its condition assessment. The last inspection conducted on this site dates back to January 1, 1980, with an inspection frequency of 5 years. The dam is in the Tulsa District and falls under the jurisdiction of OWRB, ensuring that regular inspections and enforcement measures are in place to uphold its structural integrity and safety standards.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the strategic location of the SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-65 in mitigating flood risks and protecting the surrounding environments. As a key flood risk reduction infrastructure in Oklahoma, this earth dam serves as a vital asset in managing water flow along Elm Creek. With its impressive storage capacity and risk management measures, this site exemplifies the importance of sustainable water resource management and infrastructure development in adapting to changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1975 |
Dam Length |
1400 |
Dam Height |
41 |
River Or Stream |
ELM CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
26 |
Hydraulic Height |
41 |
Nid Storage |
877 |
Structural Height |
41 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
41 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Black Bear Creek At Pawnee
|
10cfs |
Skeleton Creek Near Lovell
|
28cfs |
Salt Fork Arkansas River At Tonkawa
|
539cfs |
Cimarron River Near Ripley
|
528cfs |
Cimarron River Near Guthrie
|
483cfs |
Arkansas River At Ralston
|
1500cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Perry Lake
|
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Lake McMurtry East
|
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Lake McMurtry West
|
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Catfish Cove
|
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Lake Carl Blackwell
|
Scs-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-65