maryland depart
Mar. 4, 2010
The record snow fall in Garrett County could cause a record spring runoff. To avoid serious and potentially damaging high water conditions at Deep Creek Lake and at its dam, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has approved a request by Brookfield Renewable Power (owner of the Deep Creek Hydroelectric Station) to draw the lake level down two feet below its permitted March lower limit.
The draw-down, which began on March 1, will take place gradually, with a maximum of 0.5 feet reduction per day.
“Together with MDE, we are doing what we can to anticipate and mitigate the impacts of the spring thaw,” said David Barnhart, general manager for Brookfield’s Mid-America Operations. “As this winter proves, you never know what Mother Nature will throw at you, and an early, sustained thaw may result in higher than usual water levels.”
To a limited extent, Deep Creek Lake levels can be controlled by the hydroelectric station, which operates under a Water Appropriation and Use permit from the MDE. Under the permit conditions, the station uses water to generate hydropower, but keeps lake levels within a defined “rule band” with upper and lower limits.
The lowered water levels beneath the ice cover, combined with warming temperatures, pose unpredictable risks to recreational users of Deep Creek Lake.
“People should remember that there are always hazards to recreating on naturally-formed ice,” said Carolyn Mathews, manager of the Deep Creek Lake Recreation Area. “Lowering the lake to make additional storage space for the anticipated above-normal spring runoff may destabilize the lake’s ice. We urge everyone to take special care to stay safe.”
The MDE, Brookfield, and the Department of Natural Resources are continuing to monitor the lake levels and weather conditions to determine whether additional actions for safety of recreational users may be required
Lake levels can be found at www.deepcreekhydro.com
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