Scs-Lower Black Bear Creek Site-02 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
SCS-Lower Black Bear Creek Site-02 in Pawnee, Oklahoma, stands as a testament to the efforts of the USDA NRCS in flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Completed in 1970, this stone-core dam with a height of 25 feet and a length of 1410 feet serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the TR-Black Bear Creek. With a maximum storage capacity of 440 acre-feet and a normal storage of 59 acre-feet, this structure plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
The dam, regulated by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB), features a controlled spillway and a single valve outlet gate for water release. Despite its fair condition assessment in 2011, the dam is classified as having a high hazard potential, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and maintenance. With a very high risk assessment rating, the site requires vigilant risk management measures to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and infrastructure in the event of an emergency.
Located within the Tulsa District and under state jurisdiction, SCS-Lower Black Bear Creek Site-02 remains a vital component of the water resource infrastructure in Pawnee, Oklahoma. As climate change continues to impact precipitation patterns and intensify extreme weather events, the role of such structures in flood mitigation and water management becomes increasingly crucial for the resilience of the region's water resources and communities.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
1410 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BLACK BEAR CREEK |
Surface Area |
18 |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Drainage Area |
1.65 |
Nid Storage |
440 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
25 |
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 |
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.
Scs-Lower Black Bear Creek Site-02