The Creation of Deep Creek Lake

The Creation of Deep Creek Lake. Deep Creek Lake 100 Years. , In the early 1920’s, the Youghiogheny Hydro-Electric Company was granted permission to construct 4 dams across Deep Creek and the Youghiogheny River. The purpose was to harness the power of these waterways to generate electricity in support of industrial activities in western Pennsylvania. The Deep Creek Dam was the only one of these ever built. It created its namesake lake, offering wonderful recreational and attractive residential opportunities to many, while still providing an important source of hydroelectric power., Construction of the dam began in 1923, the lake began to fill in March of 1925, and the power plant commenced operation on May 26 of that year. Preparations included the purchase of some 8,000 acres of farm land, building a 12 mile railroad spur, and establishing a local rock quarry. The roughly 2 year effort engaged over 1,000 workers and cost approximately $9M. The 2 bridges, now known as the 219 bridge and the Glendale bridge, were constructed during the same period., The dam itself is an earthen structure with a concrete core. It is 1340 feet in length, 86 feet above bedrock, and about 450 feet wide at the base, tapering to about 24 feet at the top. It is designed for a lake water crest level of 2470 feet above sea level. A tunnel of roughly 7000 feet, with a 440 foot vertical drop, delivers water to the power plant turbines and generators., The creek of the same name, and a number of other streams and creeks, feed the lake. Deep Creek Lake is the largest lake in Maryland. Some “vital statistics” include: it is 11.6 miles long, covering roughly 4000 acres, with approximately 70 miles of shoreline including many coves, and averages a depth of 29 feet. The lake is regarded as full when the surface is at 2,462 feet above sea level., Since the year 2000, the lake has been owned by the State of Maryland and the hydroelectric power plant has been owned and operated by Brookfield Renewable, US. The lake property includes a “buffer strip” around the shoreline to preserve scenic beauty and natural features (e.g., vegetation, habitat)., Having gone well beyond its original purpose, Deep Creek Lake is a treasure to be enjoyed, protected, and preserved., (Captions):, Construction of the dam, 1924, Quarry, 1924, Aerial view of the dam, 1990's, The Republican Newspaper, July 3rd 1924