Waco Dam, located on the Bosque River near Waco, Texas, serves as a vital flood risk reduction structure designed to protect downstream communities. Completed in 1965 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the earth dam stands at a height of 140 feet and has a storage capacity of 969,000 acre-feet. Despite its role in reducing peak flooding levels downstream, the dam still poses a high hazard potential due to the risk of surcharge releases through the controlled spillway during extreme flood events.

To mitigate these risks, the USACE conducts regular inspections, surveillance, and maintenance to ensure the dam's structural integrity. In 2017, repairs were made to the left abutment of the concrete gated spillway following an embankment slide, and additional monitoring instruments were installed to track water seepage. Furthermore, an Emergency Action Plan is updated annually to enhance emergency response coordination with stakeholders and downstream agencies. Looking ahead, a risk assessment study planned for 2023 aims to identify further measures for reducing the risks associated with Waco Dam and enhancing the safety of surrounding communities.