TULSA — Pearson-Skubitz Big Hill Lake, Kan., prevented more than $1.2 million in flood damages in 2010 and more than $59.6 million in flood damages since it was placed in full operation in March 1981.

The Corps calculates the flood damage prevented by comparing flood damages that would have occurred if the lake was not in existence and the damage from flooding since the lake was constructed. The difference is the flood damages prevented. The dam allows the Corps to control the amount of water that is released from the reservoir depending on the downstream water level. Without the dam and reservoir, additional significant flooding in the area could be possible during rain events.

“Big Hill Lake continues to serve its purpose of providing flood risk management to the surrounding communities,” said Eugene Goff, Kansas area manager, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District. “Since it was built, it has prevented millions of dollars in flood damage, and the Corps of Engineers is dedicated to ensuring that it continues to fulfill its purpose of providing flood risk management to the region.”

The lake, located on Big Hill Creek, a tributary of the Verdigris River, about 5 miles east of Cherryvale in Labette County, was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1962 for flood control, water supply, recreation, and fish and wildlife purposes. Construction began in 1974 and was completed in 1981. The structure consists of a 3,902-foot rolled earth-filled embankment and a 400-foot spillway. The embankment rises to a maximum of height of 83 feet above the streambed.