Lake Oshawno Dam, located in Osage, Kansas, is a privately owned structure designed by USDA NRCS and completed in 1959 for flood risk reduction along the Wakarusa River. Standing at 40 feet tall with a length of 455 feet, this earth dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region, providing a normal storage capacity of 134 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 310 acre-feet.

Managed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, the dam is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite being assessed as in fair condition with a high hazard potential, the dam has a spillway width of 100 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 1051 cubic feet per second. Its location in a picturesque area with a surface area of 18 acres also offers recreational opportunities for visitors to enjoy.

With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, Lake Oshawno Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for protecting the surrounding communities from potential inundation. Its strategic design and ongoing state oversight highlight the importance of sustainable water resource management and climate resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.