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.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
Black Bear Creek At Pawnee
|
11cfs |
Salt Fork Arkansas River At Tonkawa
|
569cfs |
Cimarron River Near Ripley
|
528cfs |
Arkansas River At Ralston
|
1660cfs |
Skeleton Creek Near Lovell
|
28cfs |
Cimarron River Near Guthrie
|
483cfs |
| 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
|