Geology in action!

Freezing runoff near Lucky Peak reservoir. Lucky Peak Reservoir is a man-made lake located just northeast of Boise, Idaho. It’s formed by the Lucky Peak Dam, which was constructed on the Boise River by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1955 primarily for flood control, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation. The reservoir spans about 2,766 acres when full and stretches roughly 12 miles long, with 45 miles of shoreline. It sits at an elevation of approximately 3,055 feet above sea level.
The area around Lucky Peak is a popular spot for recreation. People go there for boating, fishing (it’s stocked with fish like rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and bass), swimming, and camping. It’s part of Lucky Peak State Park, which includes spots like Discovery Park, Sandy Point, and Spring Shores, offering picnic areas, beaches, and boat ramps. The reservoir is fed by the Boise River and surrounded by a mix of sagebrush steppe and forested hills, giving it a scenic vibe.
It’s about a 20-minute drive from downtown Boise, making it a convenient getaway for locals and visitors. The dam and reservoir also play a key role in managing water for the Treasure Valley’s agriculture.