Rooster Tail at Lucky Peak Dam
A spectacular
site this past weekend at Lucky Peak Dam had people coming out in droves to enjoy the rare Rooster Tail. The rooster tail isn’t something that happens very often, the last siting was in 2012. With water levels rising and the dam at 68% capacity, it was time to release the rooster tail. If you want to see it live, check out this link https://youtu.be/bYIxOxqrQGI
Winter Condition Impact
Rough winter in Idaho creates large amounts of water with nowhere to go! Flood stage is rising and the increase of water has had devastating effects on the surrounding area. The Boise Greenbelt which provides a place to exercise is closed in more places than it is open. People who walk the Greenbelt to reduce stress and enjoy the peace and tranquility are having to find somewhere else to go. It doesn’t look like the water will reduce until sometime in June according to officials.
Up Close and Personal
The closer we got to the rooster tail, the more water that hit us. Once again, I was wet while trying to film but it was so worth it. Even though I was getting wet, I couldn’t help but move closer. 
The pounding of the water practically made the earth move. The intense power was so overwhelming at times as I could feel the passion of movement in the water. With a little bit of wind and the intense power of the water, the arches were a true site to see. You couldn’t look away because with every surge of water, the view changed!
Incredible Crowds
Everyone wanted to see and experience this rare site and they were not disappointed. Adults, kids, and pets couldn’t get enough of the intense powerful spray. A consistent stream of people walking ever closer to the rooster tail, taking pictures, video and just watching this awe-inspiring event. Only two days to experience this and no one wanted to miss a thing. Once we walked down to get a bird’s-eye view, we then decided to drive it and capture it from a different angle. The roadside was packed, lots of people driving by and even more walking along the Greenbelt. Such a site to see, yet the impact of the water is having lasting effects on this community. How can something so beautiful still be part of something so painful. The loss of the Greenbelt in so many places impacts this community in so many ways.
Water, Water Everywhere
I couldn’t just focus on the Rooster Tail without showing the massive amounts of water that flow from other parts of the dam as they release more water to reduce the capacit
y of Lucky Peak Dam. As I stopped and took pictures, it gave me a greater sense of respect for the volatility of the water. Movement in the water to me can be so beautiful and serene. Yet watching this water flow it was powerful and at times angry. As the water poured through the openings and crashed below the sound was dynamic and strong displaying its own form of symphony for
all to hear. As the water moved further down, it was smooth, relaxed and peaceful. Such a contrast to just a short distance before and yet symbolic of life.
Final Thoughts
At times we have turbulence in our lives but as we move forward, calm waters ahead. This experience gave me a multitude of emotions as I took part in this latest adventure. I hope that you had time to enjoy this if you live here in Idaho, but if not, I hope you will enjoy this blog post!
