Garrison Dam, also known as Lake Sakakawea, is a federal-owned hydroelectric dam located on the Missouri River in Stanton, North Dakota. Completed in 1953, the dam serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, navigation, and recreation. With a structural height of 210 feet and a dam volume of 66.5 million cubic yards, Garrison Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Although Garrison Dam has been effective in reducing floods, there is still a high risk associated with the potential loss of life and large-scale consequences if a breach were to occur. The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) actively monitors and maintains the dam, while also working with local emergency management agencies to improve preparedness and public awareness of flood risks. Additionally, ongoing risk management measures and evaluations are being pursued to further reduce risks associated with the dam, including upgrades to prevent erosion of the dam's foundation and repairs to improve the spillway's resiliency during future flood events.

As part of the USACE Dam Safety Program, communities downstream of Garrison Dam are encouraged to stay informed about water management in the Missouri River basin and to have evacuation plans in place in case of extreme floods. The importance of understanding and mitigating individual risks in the face of potential dam failures underscores the critical role that Garrison Dam plays in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.