TULSA — Toronto Lake, Kan., prevented more than $7.1 million in flood damages in 2010 and more than $489.5 million in flood damages since it was placed in full operation in March 1960.

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.

“Toronto 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 Verdigris River, about four miles southeast of Toronto in Woodson County, was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1941 for flood control, water supply, water quality control, fish and wildlife, and recreation purposes. Construction began in 1954 and was completed in 1960. The structure consists of a 4,723-foot rolled impervious and random earth-filled embankment with rock and grass-protected slopes and a 376-foot controlled concrete spillway. The embankment rises to a maximum of height of 90 feet above the streambed.