Oscar Dam, also known as Oscar Reservoir, is a gravity dam located in Harney, Oregon, owned and managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Completed in 1975, the dam serves as a water supply source for the surrounding area, with a storage capacity of 67 acre-feet. Situated on a tributary to Walls Lake, the dam has a hydraulic height of 9 feet and a structural height of 12 feet.

Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Oscar Dam is at a high risk level due to its location and design. The dam does not have a spillway and is associated with a drainage area of 2.6 square miles, with a maximum discharge capacity of 132 cubic feet per second. With no outlet gates and a lack of inundation maps or emergency action plans, the dam presents challenges in risk management and emergency preparedness.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to monitor and assess the safety and functionality of infrastructure like Oscar Dam to ensure the sustainable management of water resources in the region. With its unique design and historical significance, Oscar Dam serves as a valuable asset in providing water supply and supporting the local ecosystem. Ongoing inspections, risk assessments, and emergency preparedness measures are essential to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the long-term resilience of this important water infrastructure.