Falls Lake Dam, located in Wake, North Carolina, is a crucial structure managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers to reduce flood risks downstream on the Neuse River. Completed in 1981, the earth dam stands at 92 feet in height and has a storage capacity of over 1 million acre-feet. While the dam greatly reduces flood risks, there are rare but possible events where extreme rainfall could challenge its capacity, leading to potential overtopping and breaching. In such cases, the auxiliary spillway comes into play to divert excess water and minimize the impact on downstream communities.

To manage these risks effectively, the USACE implements various measures, including close coordination with weather agencies, regular inspections, and continuous risk assessments. The dam's Emergency Action Plan is regularly updated, and emergency materials are stockpiled on-site to address potential erosion issues. Additional instrumentation and communication efforts with downstream populations are also planned to enhance the dam's overall safety and flood risk reduction capabilities. Despite the moderate risk classification, the USACE remains vigilant in monitoring and improving the dam's resilience to extreme weather events.