TULSA — Elk City Lake, Kan., prevented more than $11.2 million in flood damages in 2010 and more than $465.2 million in flood damages since it was placed in full operation in March 1966.

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.

“Elk City 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 the Elk River, a tributary of the Verdigris River, about seven miles east of Elk City in Montgomery County, was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1941 for flood control, water supply, water quality control, recreation, and fish and wildlife purposes. Construction began in 1962 and was completed in 1966. The structure consists of a 4,840-foot earth-filled embankment. A 21,712-foot rolled earth-filled dike is located along the right rim of the reservoir south of Table Mound and a two-part 12,436-foot rolled earth-filled levee is located around Elk City. The dam rises to a maximum of height of 107 feet above the streambed.