Foster Joseph Sayers Dam, also known as Blanchard Reservoir, is a crucial flood risk reduction structure located in Howard, Pennsylvania. Completed in 1969 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, this earth dam stands at a height of 100 feet and has a storage capacity of 186,000 acre-feet. The dam plays a vital role in reducing flood risk to downstream communities along Bald Eagle Creek, but there are still potential hazards that could lead to flooding events, such as high-volume releases from the spillway during significant storms or a catastrophic breach of the dam.

To manage and reduce these risks, the US Army Corps of Engineers implements various measures to ensure the structural integrity of the dam. Regular inspections and monitoring are conducted, with increased frequency during high water events. The Emergency Action Plan is regularly updated, and emergency response exercises are conducted with federal, state, and local agencies to prepare for potential flood events. By closely monitoring rainfall forecasts and maintaining operational readiness, the USACE aims to protect downstream communities from the devastating effects of flooding events that could occur in the event of a breach or high-volume releases from the dam.