Scs-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-33 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-33, located in Garfield, Oklahoma, is a state-regulated dam designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Completed in 1990, this earth dam stands at a height of 41 feet and has a storage capacity of 6500 acre-feet. The dam, situated on the Black Bear River, serves to protect the surrounding area from potential flood events with a maximum discharge capacity of 13100 cubic feet per second.
Despite being in fair condition according to the last inspection in 2011, SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-33 is classified as having a significant hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating. The dam features a controlled spillway and a single valve outlet gate. Managed by the OWRB, this dam is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. With a drainage area of 16.5 square miles, the dam covers a surface area of 116 acres and plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the region.
This site, part of the Tulsa District under the design responsibility of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, represents a vital piece of infrastructure for flood control in the area. Its strategic location on the Black Bear River and its capacity for substantial discharge highlight its importance in safeguarding local communities from potential flood events. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding and monitoring the condition and functionality of dams like SCS-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-33 is crucial for ensuring the resilience of our water infrastructure in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing hydrological risks.
Year Completed |
1990 |
Dam Length |
4500 |
Dam Height |
41 |
River Or Stream |
BLACK BEAR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
116 |
Hydraulic Height |
41 |
Drainage Area |
16.5 |
Nid Storage |
6500 |
Structural Height |
41 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
41 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Skeleton Creek At Enid
|
6cfs |
Skeleton Creek Near Lovell
|
28cfs |
Salt Fork Arkansas River At Tonkawa
|
372cfs |
Cimarron River Near Dover
|
296cfs |
Cimarron River Near Guthrie
|
425cfs |
Chikaskia River Near Blackwell
|
193cfs |
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-Upper Black Bear Creek Site-33