Beaver Lake Creek Dam project still behind but catching up rapidly

new dam and overflow — Construction crews building the concrete slew for the overflow of the dam at Beaver Creek Lake. The large teeth-like structures on the inclined surface act to break up the flow of water over the dam. This slows the water as it flows over.

The unseasonably dry weather has allowed construction on the Beaver Lake Creek Dam project has moved forward rapidly. The wet winter put the project approximately two months behind schedule

According to City Utilities Superintendent Bud Hauersperger the crews should be able to seal the pipe used to drain the lake in the next few weeks.

Additionaly the city plans on dredging the finger of the lake where the boat ramp and a fishing pier are located while the water is lowered.

large image of dam construction — Click on the photo to enlarge.

Gas and Water Superintendent Mike Oeding stated he expects it will take a couple years for the lake to refill to its previous level. The 202 acre lake catches runoff from approximately 2600 acres.

Beaver Lake is considered an excellent lake for sport fishing with a great mix of local fish species and is free of nuisance fish like gar, carp and gizzard shad.

Besides the recreational aspect of the lake it also serves as a supplementary water supply for Jasper. The city pulls water from the Patoka River as its main source of water, but if the river were to become too low the city would release water from the lake to the river.