Philpott Dam, located in Virginia, is a crucial structure built by the US Army Corps of Engineers to reduce flood risks along the Smith River. Completed in 1953, this gravity dam stands at a height of 220 feet and has a storage capacity of 318,300 acre-feet. While the dam has performed well over the past 70 years, there are concerns about its ability to withstand extremely rare flood events due to concrete expansion issues. In the event of a catastrophic failure, floodwaters could reach as high as 30 feet in nearby areas, causing significant damage and posing a threat to residents downstream.

To manage these risks, the US Army Corps of Engineers closely monitors weather forecasts and stream gauges to predict inflow and outflow. They work in collaboration with the National Weather Service and other agencies to prepare for emergency response efforts and provide timely information to local emergency managers. Regular inspections and risk assessments are conducted, and plans for an advanced risk assessment study are in place to further mitigate potential hazards. The Emergency Action Plan has been updated, additional instrumentation installed, and monitoring frequency increased to enhance the dam's safety measures and response capabilities in case of an emergency.