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. 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.