Idlewild Lake dam
Idlewild Lake
Idlewild Lake in Autauga, Alabama is a private recreational lake nestled in the serene surroundings of FORESTER city. Built in 1954, this Earth type dam stands at a hydraulic height of 22 feet and stretches 600 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 123 acre-feet, the lake offers a peaceful retreat for water resource and climate enthusiasts looking to enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife watching.
Although not regulated by the state, Idlewild Lake poses a significant hazard potential due to its structural height and storage capacity. Despite not having a designated inspection frequency or condition rating, the lake remains a popular destination for water recreation in the area. With Martha Roby (R) representing Congressional District 02, Alabama, the lake continues to attract visitors seeking a natural escape in a picturesque setting.
As a private recreational oasis, Idlewild Lake provides a tranquil environment for individuals to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of Haney Branch. While the dam's risk management measures and emergency preparedness remain unassessed, the lake's timeless appeal and serene waters make it a sought-after destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat amidst Alabama's natural splendor.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
- Fair
- No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action.
- Poor
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency.
- Unsatisfactory
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
- Not Rated
- The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
- Significant
- Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
- Low
- Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
- Undetermined
- Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Idlewild Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama River Near Montgomery | 45 cfs | → |
| Catoma Creek Near Montgomery Al | 28 cfs | → |
| Mulberry Creek At Jones Al | 155 cfs | → |
| Tallapoosa River Near Mont.-Mont. Water Works | 1,250 cfs | → |
| Hatchet Creek Below Rockford Al | 168 cfs | → |
| Cahaba River Near Marion Junction Al | 1,370 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Idlewild Lake.
Boat launches
- Brinson Court Lowndes County
- River Road Montgomery
- Prairie Creek Road Lowndes County
- Lake Jordan Boat Ramp
- Boat Ramp Road, Wetumpka
- County Road 28 11455, Chilton County
Campgrounds
- Gunter Hill
- Maxwell/Gunter Afb Military
- Jones Bluff
- Prairie Creek
- Fort Toulouse/Jackson Park
- Paul M Grist State Park
Fishing spots
Track Idlewild Lake in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Idlewild Lake
Where does the data for Idlewild Lake come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Significant hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Idlewild Lake.