Idle Hour Lake, also known as Birdseye Conservation Club Dam, is a privately owned recreational reservoir located in Dubois County, Indiana.
Wind
Humidity
This earth dam, completed in 1942, stands at a height of 29 feet and has a hydraulic height of 25 feet. With a storage capacity of 32 acre-feet, the lake covers a surface area of 3 acres and is fed by the Anderson River.
Despite its low hazard potential, Idle Hour Lake has been assessed to be in poor condition, with the last inspection in 2015 revealing areas in need of improvement. The dam is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, which conducts regular inspections and enforces safety measures. The risk assessment for the dam is categorized as high, indicating potential concerns that require ongoing monitoring and management.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Idle Hour Lake presents an interesting case study in dam infrastructure and risk management. As a recreational reservoir with historical significance, the lake serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and upgrading aging dams to ensure public safety and environmental protection.
Year Completed |
1942 |
Dam Length |
375 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
ANDERSON RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Drainage Area |
0.03 |
Nid Storage |
32 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
29 |
Middle Fork Anderson River At Bristow
|
9cfs |
Patoka River At Jasper
|
756cfs |
East Fork White River At Shoals
|
2030cfs |
Blue River Near White Cloud
|
319cfs |
Ohio River At Cannelton Dam At Cannelton
|
49000cfs |
Patoka River At Winslow
|
643cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Ferdinand State Forest
|
||
Fishermen's Campground
|
||
Newton Stewart State Rec Area - Patoka Lake
|
||
Modern Campground
|
||
North Face Camping
|
||
North Face Loop
|