Scs-Lower Black Bear Creek Site-16 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
SCS-Lower Black Bear Creek Site-16 in Pawnee, Oklahoma, is a state-regulated flood risk reduction structure designed by USDA NRCS in 1974.
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Summary
This stone dam, standing at a height of 54 feet with a hydraulic height of 51 feet, serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along TR-PEPPER CREEK. With a storage capacity of 1914 acre-feet and a drainage area of 3.8 square miles, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and mitigating flood risks in the region.
Despite being rated as having a low hazard potential, the site has a very high risk assessment due to its critical role in flood risk reduction. The dam, with a length of 780 feet and a surface area of 14 acres, features a controlled spillway and a single valve outlet gate for water discharge. While the dam's condition is currently not rated, it undergoes inspections every five years to ensure its structural integrity and operational efficiency. The site's risk management measures and emergency action plans are not specified, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to safeguard the surrounding community from potential flooding events.
Located within the Tulsa District and owned by the state, SCS-Lower Black Bear Creek Site-16 is a vital infrastructure that contributes to water resource management and climate resilience in Pawnee, Oklahoma. As climate change continues to impact precipitation patterns and intensify extreme weather events, this dam plays a crucial role in protecting lives and properties from flooding, underscoring the importance of sustainable water resource management and infrastructure resilience in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1974 |
Dam Length |
780 |
Dam Height |
54 |
River Or Stream |
TR-PEPPER CREEK |
Surface Area |
14 |
Hydraulic Height |
51 |
Drainage Area |
3.8 |
Nid Storage |
1914 |
Structural Height |
54 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
54 |
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 |
Cimarron River Near Guthrie
|
489cfs |
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.
Scs-Lower Black Bear Creek Site-16