Despite advances in dam design, construction and stringent regulation, dam failures continue to occur, highlighting the reality of residual risk, which is increasing due to many factors including the aging infrastructure, hydrologic extremes, and ongoing downstream development. As this residual risk cannot be eliminated, emergency preparedness remains an essential component of dam safety management programs. Dam Breach Inundation Studies (DBIS) provide the technical foundation for Emergency Management Plans (EMPs) by defining flood extent, timing, severity, and downstream impacts. These outputs directly support risk communication, evacuation planning, response prioritization, and public safety decision-making. This paper presents the Alberta experience in developing and updating DBIS and demonstrates how they underpin risk-informed, consequence-based EMPs. Key triggers for updates are also discussed which include improvements in data and modelling, infrastructure modifications, evolving industry practices and regulatory requirements, and changes in downstream conditions. A consequence-based framework is outlined to show how the level of analytical effort scales from screening-level assessments for lower consequence dams to detailed, model-based studies for high to extreme consequence structures. In Alberta’s regulatory context, maintaining current and defensible DBIS and EMPs is a practical and cost-effective approach to managing residual risk, enhancing emergency preparedness, and improving public safety.