Scs-Lower Black Bear Creek Site-27 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
SCS-Lower Black Bear Creek Site-27, located in Pawnee, Oklahoma, is a state-regulated earth dam designed by USDA NRCS in 1975 for flood risk reduction along the TR-Black Bear Creek.
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Summary
This impressive structure stands at a height of 41 feet with a hydraulic height of 39 feet and a length of 1020 feet, providing a storage capacity of 510 acre-feet. Despite being categorized as a low hazard potential dam, it boasts a very high risk assessment due to its critical role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.
Managed by the OWRB, this dam is equipped with a controlled spillway and a valve outlet gate for efficient water flow control. While last inspected in 1980, its condition remains unrated, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its effectiveness in flood risk management. With a maximum discharge capacity of 846 cubic feet per second, this structure plays a crucial role in safeguarding the Blackburn community and surrounding areas from the threat of inundation, making it a vital asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts alike.
In the hands of state regulators and designed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, SCS-Lower Black Bear Creek Site-27 stands as a testament to engineering excellence in managing and mitigating flood risks in the region. Its strategic location and structural integrity make it a key player in the local water resource management system, underscoring the importance of proactive risk management and continuous monitoring to ensure the safety and well-being of the community it serves.
Year Completed |
1975 |
Dam Length |
1020 |
Dam Height |
41 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BLACK BEAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11 |
Hydraulic Height |
39 |
Nid Storage |
510 |
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
|
11cfs |
Arkansas River At Ralston
|
1820cfs |
Hominy Creek Near Hominy
|
2cfs |
Cimarron River Near Ripley
|
544cfs |
Bird Creek At Avant
|
9cfs |
Flat Rock Creek At Cincinnati Ave At Tulsa
|
2cfs |
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 |
|---|---|---|
Pawnee Lake
|
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Kimanis
|
||
Rotary
|
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Knights of Columbus
|
||
Sac N' Fox
|
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Steve Evans
|
Scs-Lower Black Bear Creek Site-27