Idlewild Lake dam
Idlewild Lake
Idlewild Lake, located in Blairstown, Louisiana, is a state-regulated water resource primarily used for irrigation purposes. Built in 1956 by the Louisiana Department of Public Works, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 22 feet and spans a length of 1250 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 440 acre-feet. The lake covers a surface area of 37 acres and is fed by the TR-Sandy Creek river or stream.
With a controlled spillway and low hazard potential, Idlewild Lake has been deemed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in April 2019. The dam's structural integrity is maintained through regular state inspections, enforcement, and permitting processes overseen by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. Situated within the East Feliciana County, this water reservoir also serves recreational purposes, attracting climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates alike to its picturesque surroundings.
Managed under state jurisdiction and with a very high risk assessment rating of 1, Idlewild Lake remains a vital water source for the region. Its strategic location and historical significance make it a focal point for conservation efforts and sustainable water management practices. The lake's association with the Vicksburg District and its inclusion in the larger network of water infrastructure highlight its importance in securing water resources for future generations amidst changing climate patterns.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Comite River Near Olive Branch | 65 cfs | → |
| Amite River Near Darlington | 739 cfs | → |
| Tickfaw River At Liverpool | 108 cfs | → |
| Comite River Near Comite | 219 cfs | → |
| Amite River Near Denham Springs | 967 cfs | → |
| Tickfaw River At Holden | 217 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Idlewild Lake.
Boat launches
More reservoirs
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 Low 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.