Scs-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-68 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

The SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-68, located in Noble County, Oklahoma, is a state-regulated earth dam completed in 1975 by the USDA NRCS.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

With a height of 43 feet and a length of 1450 feet, this dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Willow Creek. It has a storage capacity of 1522 acre-feet and a normal storage of 256 acre-feet, with a maximum discharge rate of 2970 cubic feet per second.

The dam is considered to have a significant hazard potential and is currently in fair condition according to the last inspection in 2011. It features a controlled spillway with a width of 2 feet and is equipped with a single valve outlet gate. The risk assessment for this dam is very high (1), indicating the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and effectiveness of its flood control measures. The dam is under the jurisdiction of the OWRB and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement protocols.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts with an interest in the infrastructure and management of flood control structures will find the SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-68 to be a fascinating case study. Its design, construction, and ongoing regulatory oversight provide valuable insights into the complexities of managing water resources in a dynamic and changing environment. With its strategic location in the Tulsa District and its significant impact on the local watershed, this dam serves as a crucial component of the region's flood risk reduction efforts.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

1450

Dam Height

43

River Or Stream

WILLOW CR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

40

Hydraulic Height

43

Nid Storage

1522

Structural Height

43

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

43
       
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.