Wright Patman Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Wright Patman Dam, located on the Sulphur River in Texas, was completed in 1954 by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for flood risk reduction.


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Summary

With a height of 106 feet and a maximum storage capacity of 6.5 million acre-feet, the dam serves multiple purposes including fish and wildlife pond, recreation, and water supply. The dam's uncontrolled spillway, with a width of 200 feet, is designed to handle a maximum discharge of 81,000 cubic feet per second during high water events to reduce peak flooding levels downstream.

Despite its risk classification as moderate, the dam's potential impacts in the event of a breach are significant, especially for downstream communities like Shreveport and Alexandria, Louisiana. The USACE actively manages the dam's risk by conducting emergency exercises, updating the Emergency Action Plan, and implementing interim risk reduction measures such as stockpiling materials to prevent embankment erosion. Regular dam inspections, detailed monitoring systems, and pre-positioned flood fighting materials ensure the structure's integrity and prompt response to changing conditions. Overall, Wright Patman Dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks while safeguarding public safety and the environment.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

18640

Dam Height

106

River Or Stream

SULPHUR RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20300

Hydraulic Height

101

Drainage Area

3443

Nid Storage

6505000

Structural Height

106

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

106
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.