Windy Hill Farm Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Windy Hill Farm Lake, also known as Wurster Lake, is a private water resource located in Boone, Indiana.


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Summary

This recreational lake was designed by James A. Wurster and completed in 1966, with a dam height of 28.8 feet and a storage capacity of 269 acre-feet. The lake covers a surface area of 38.3 acres and is fed by an unnamed tributary of Eagle Creek.

Despite its scenic beauty and recreational purposes, Windy Hill Farm Lake poses a significant hazard potential with a poor condition assessment. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 275 feet, and the lake has a moderate risk assessment rating. The last inspection in 2018 revealed the need for improvements, and the lake is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

Given its poor condition assessment and significant hazard potential, Windy Hill Farm Lake requires urgent attention and risk management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and preserve this valuable water resource for future generations. Climate and water resource enthusiasts may find this case study intriguing as it highlights the complex interplay between human infrastructure, natural resources, and the challenges of managing water systems in the face of climate change.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

2500

Dam Height

28.8

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY EAGLE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

38.3

Hydraulic Height

19

Drainage Area

0.96

Nid Storage

269

Structural Height

29

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

29
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
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. Investigations and studies are necessary.
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.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

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, environment 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.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.