The Toddbrook Reservoir Incident

In August 2019, Toddbrook Reservoir in north-west England was affected by two storm events in quick succession, resulting in damage to the auxiliary spillway, located on the main earth embankment dam. The concrete lining to the auxiliary spillway was damaged and erosion of the underlying dam shoulder material occurred, prompting fears of a dam breach.

An emergency evacuation of approximately 1,500 persons from the downstream town of Whaley Bridge was completed. Multi-agency services were mobilised and the scour hole was infilled through use of a helicopter. Stream diversion and pumping works were initiated to empty the reservoir. Almost a week after the incident was declared, the residents were permitted to return to their homes.