Ray Roberts Dam, located in Denton, Texas, along the Elm Fork of the Trinity River, was completed in 1986 by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The dam serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, recreation, water supply, and fish and wildlife management. Standing at a height of 141 feet and a length of 14,980 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 1,931,900 acre-feet and a surface area of 29,350 acres. While it significantly reduces the risk of flooding to downstream communities, the dam does not eliminate the risk entirely. In rare, severe storm events, high surcharge releases could potentially impact areas such as Lewisville, Coppell, Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Irving, and Dallas.

A risk assessment conducted in 2019 classified the risk associated with Ray Roberts Dam as moderate, driven by the potential of an extremely unlikely flood event that could lead to a breach. In such a scenario, areas including Denton, Lewisville, and Dallas could face significant economic loss and damages. To mitigate risks, the US Army Corps of Engineers continuously works with local emergency managers to update evacuation plans, conduct emergency exercises, and implement risk reduction measures such as regular dam inspections, maintenance, and repairs. Despite the potential consequences of a breach, the dam's emergency action plan and collaboration with local authorities aim to minimize the impact on communities downstream.

Overall, Ray Roberts Dam plays a vital role in flood risk reduction and water resource management in the region. Through proactive risk management measures and ongoing assessments, the US Army Corps of Engineers ensures the dam's structural integrity and the safety of surrounding communities. While challenges exist, the dam's functionality and collaboration with local stakeholders demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding the environment and public safety in the face of potential natural disasters.