Scs-Lower Black Bear Creek Site-13 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
SCS-Lower Black Bear Creek Site-13, a state-regulated earth dam located in Noble, Oklahoma, was completed in 1986 by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction purposes along the TR-Black Bear Creek.
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Summary
This dam stands at a height of 37 feet with a length of 690 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 672 acre-feet and a normal storage of 148 acre-feet. With a controlled spillway and a low hazard potential, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and reducing flood risks in the area.
Despite being last inspected in 1999 with a condition assessment of "Not Rated," SCS-Lower Black Bear Creek Site-13 has a very high risk rating of 1 due to its location and potential impact in case of failure. The dam is equipped with a single valve outlet gate for water release. However, there is room for improvement in terms of emergency action plans, risk assessment, and overall risk management measures. Enthusiasts interested in water resource management and climate adaptation would find this site an intriguing study on the intersection of infrastructure development and environmental stewardship in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing water-related risks.
Year Completed |
1986 |
Dam Length |
690 |
Dam Height |
37 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BLACK BEAR CR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
18 |
Hydraulic Height |
37 |
Drainage Area |
1.9 |
Nid Storage |
672 |
Structural Height |
37 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
37 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Black Bear Creek At Pawnee
|
11cfs |
Cimarron River Near Ripley
|
544cfs |
Arkansas River At Ralston
|
1820cfs |
Salt Fork Arkansas River At Tonkawa
|
535cfs |
Hominy Creek Near Hominy
|
2cfs |
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-13