Scs-Lower Black Bear Creek Site-05 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
SCS-Lower Black Bear Creek Site-05 in Pawnee, Oklahoma, is a state-regulated dam designed by USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Completed in 1976, this earth dam stands at 40 feet high and spans 710 feet in length. It has a NID storage capacity of 757 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 86 acre-feet, serving to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding events.
The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 1 foot and an outlet gate of a single valve. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the risk assessment for this dam is deemed as very high, warranting attention to ensure its continued safety and effectiveness. With a condition assessment of "Not Rated" and the last inspection dating back to 1980, there is a need for regular monitoring and maintenance to mitigate any potential risks associated with this crucial water resource infrastructure.
While the dam at SCS-Lower Black Bear Creek Site-05 plays a vital role in flood risk reduction for the area, its risk profile underscores the importance of ongoing management and maintenance efforts to ensure the safety and functionality of this key water resource infrastructure. With a high risk assessment and limited recent inspections, a proactive approach to monitoring and upkeep is essential to safeguard the surrounding community and environment from potential hazards posed by the dam.
Year Completed |
1976 |
Dam Length |
710 |
Dam Height |
40 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BLACK BEAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
19 |
Hydraulic Height |
36 |
Nid Storage |
757 |
Structural Height |
40 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
40 |
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 |
Chikaskia River Near Blackwell
|
242cfs |
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-05