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>Deep Creek ice has unseen hazards

>SWANTON — The Maryland Park Service reminds all snowmobilers, fishermen and cross-country skiers of the potential for unseen safety hazards on Deep Creek Lake, particularly at night. An area of ice has been removed near Uno Chicago Grill on U.S. Route 219 to create open water for the Special Olympics Deep Creek Dunk.

Ice has also been removed along the shoreline of the Discovery Center for ice rescue and cold water diving training for emergency services personnel conducted by the Maryland State Police. These areas will remain unsafe for quite some time and will be marked with reflective traffic cones.

Surface conditions under bridges are often particularly hazardous and snow drifts or pressure ridges can act as ramps, causing sleds to be-come airborne.

Snowmobiles must be registered for use on the lake. Permits are available by mail or at any of the local state park offices.

For information on ice conditions, call the park headquarters at 301-387-5563 or the Discovery Center on weekends at 301- 387-7067.

If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350

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From the Republican: Deer crossing the Deep Creek Lake ice – Photo: Vaughn Miller

This herd of deer may be a little confused when the lake is no longer passable on foot (hoof?), which actually may be the case by now. The animals were seen and photographed by Vaughn Miller last Thursday as they made their way across the ice. Deer have had a rough time this winter, struggling to find food under so many feet of snow. But the grasses are beginning to rise up out of the remnants of the white stuff now, as the temperature has been far above freezing for several days, providing the first warm stretch the county has had in more than four months. Spring-like weather is to continue for some days, although there is a chance of snow on Monday. Such is March on the mountaintop.

If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350

Deep Creek Lake Level Still Being Lowered; Public Warned Of Dangerous Ice

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Lake Level Still Being Lowered; Public Warned Of Dangerous Ice

Mar. 11, 2010

The Deep Creek Hydroelectric Station issued another press release this week in its continuing effort to alert persons to the potentially dangerous conditions on Deep Creek Lake. The company is working with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to monitor the snow pack, lake ice thickness, and water level at the lake.
Brookfield Renewable Power, owner of the Deep Creek Hydroelectric Station, in ongoing consultation with the agencies, is making adjustments to the lake level in an effort to minimize serious and potentially damaging high water conditions that will occur as this winter’s record lake ice and snow pack thaw. Recreational users of the lake should use extra caution as changing conditions can be dangerous. Persons should be aware that the water level is dropping, so the ice crust may be unsafe.

Brookfield announced last week that it had consulted with MDE and DNR and been granted a waiver to draw the lake level down to two feet below the March lower limit of its water use permit. The 2-foot drawdown was achieved on Sunday, March 7.

The Deep Creek Hydroelectric Station operates under a Water Appropriation and Use permit from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). Under the permit conditions, the station uses water to generate hydropower, while keeping lake levels within a defined “rule band” with upper and lower limits. Any waiver from the rule band limits must be approved by MDE.

Representatives of the MDE, DNR, and Brookfield met Monday to review current lake levels, weather forecasts, and the latest measurement of the snow pack and lake ice. At that meeting, it was determined that Brookfield will continue to gradually lower the lake level beyond the original 2-foot waiver.

“Our goal is to get the lake to a level where it can safely accommodate the snow melt, thus avoiding high water and pressure on the dam,” said David Barnhart, general manager for Brookfield’s Mid-America Operations. “We’ve agreed with MDE to do all we can to lower the lake further.”

Barnhart added that public safety is a top priority for all involved. Brookfield, MDE and DNR continue to advise users on or near Deep Creek Lake to be observant for changing conditions.

“With the water level being drawn away under the ice cover, and this week’s spring-like temperatures, we continue to remind users of the surface of Deep Creek Lake to be extremely cautious,” said Carolyn Mathews, manager of the Deep Creek Lake Recreation Area.

She added that unseen hazards “always exist when recreating on naturally-formed ice.”

The officials said that lower water levels and warmer temperatures may present the following dangers:

•Ice that cracks or suddenly shifts as additional weight is applied;

•Ice that shifts, lifts, and/or settles, creating unexpected ridges;

• Ice slabs that break off near the shoreline, creating open water between stable interior ice and the shore.

Because many people are potentially affected by the lowering of the water level, MDE is requiring that public notice be provided to the local media. For more information on the lake’s level, persons may visit www.deepcreekhydro.com.

If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350

Playing on the ice at Deep Creek Lake






My daughter, Kayleah, and my wife, Jessica, were with me today as we ventured out on the ice at Deep Creek Lake. From what the ice fishermen were saying, the ice is about 12 inches thick on the main body of the lake. Our first experience was near Ski Harbor, and we were surprised to see ‘Logan’, a beautiful yellow lab, come sprinting from the Lakestar Lodge. His owner was right behind him, but the dog had no idea he was on ice the way he sprinted towards us with his tail wagging.

Next, Kayleah and I ventured out a little further on the ice in front of Traders Landing and High Mountain Sports. You could see that there had been plenty of snowmobiles leaving their marks on the ice and snow. Kayleah made a heart in the snow and it turned out to be a great picture, as you can see. It was FREEZING with the wind chill, so we only stayed out for 15 minutes or so. Overall, FUN DAY!

If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Long & Foster Real Estate for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350

Respect Deep Creek Lake ice


Respect Deep Creek Lake ice

Cumberland Times-News

MCHENRY — As temperatures begin to freeze area waterways, the Maryland Park Service cautions that anyone enjoying winter activities on Deep Creek Lake or any frozen body of water, should use care, particularly at night.

“Snowmobilers, ice fishermen, hikers and cross-country skiers traveling on the frozen lake should exercise caution,” urged Deep Creek Lake Recreation Area Assistant Manager Mark Spurrier. “Wearing a personal flotation device could prevent a tragedy. If you encounter people, pets or wildlife that have fallen through the ice, call either 911 or the Department of Natural Resources at 1-800-628-9944 for assistance.”

Road salt and abrasives plowed from highway bridges may affect the quality of the ice underneath and unseen snowdrifts can act as ramps and cause sleds and snowmobiles to become airborne leading to a loss of control and accidents.

Deep Creek Lake is a part of the designated off-road vehicle trail system permitting use by registered snowmobiles only. Permits are available by mail or at any of the local state park offices during normal business hours. Snowmobiles may operate at night if equipped with working head and taillights. Snowmobilers may access the lake through Deep Creek Lake State Park or with permission from a private landowner. For further information on ice conditions at Deep Creek Lake, call 301-387-5563 during the weekday or the Discovery Center on weekends at 301-387-7067.

If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Long & Foster Real Estate for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350