Scs-Lower Black Bear Creek Site-23 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
SCS-Lower Black Bear Creek Site-23 is a state-regulated dam located in Pawnee, Oklahoma, designed by USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
This Earth dam stands at a height of 71 feet, with a hydraulic height of 67 feet and a structural height of 71 feet. Completed in 1973, it has a storage capacity of 1408 acre-feet and a normal storage of 169 acre-feet, serving as a crucial infrastructure for managing water resources in the area.
The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 1 foot and an outlet gate consisting of a single valve. Despite its age, the dam's hazard potential is rated as low, with a risk assessment indicating a very high risk level. The condition assessment is currently not rated, and the last inspection was conducted in 1980 with an inspection frequency of every 5 years. With its strategic location in the Blackburn area and its ability to mitigate flood risks, SCS-Lower Black Bear Creek Site-23 plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding communities and maintaining water resource sustainability.
As a key element of the flood risk reduction infrastructure in Tulsa District, SCS-Lower Black Bear Creek Site-23 serves as a crucial line of defense against potential inundation events. With a strong foundation of soil and core made of stone, this dam has been instrumental in managing water flow along TR-Camp Creek. Despite its age, the dam continues to operate effectively, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement mechanisms in place to ensure its ongoing reliability. Its low hazard potential and high risk assessment underscore its importance in safeguarding the local area from the impacts of extreme weather events and climate variability.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
950 |
Dam Height |
71 |
River Or Stream |
TR-CAMP CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
21 |
Hydraulic Height |
67 |
Nid Storage |
1408 |
Structural Height |
71 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
71 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Black Bear Creek At Pawnee
|
11cfs |
Arkansas River At Ralston
|
1820cfs |
Cimarron River Near Ripley
|
544cfs |
Hominy Creek Near Hominy
|
2cfs |
Salt Fork Arkansas River At Tonkawa
|
535cfs |
Bird Creek At Avant
|
9cfs |
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
|
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Knights of Columbus
|
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Sac N' Fox
|
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Rotary
|
Scs-Lower Black Bear Creek Site-23