Idle Hour Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Idle Hour Lake, also known as Birdseye Conservation Club Dam, is a privately owned recreational reservoir located in Dubois County, Indiana.


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Summary

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
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.