The Deep Creek Blog

Spring Skiing Starts Monday at Wisp Resort

Spring skiing officially begins Monday, March 12th at Wisp Resort.  Note that hours of operation change at this time. 

Tom Wallisch Wins Gold at Winter X Games

The Pittsburgh Tribune Review has an article on  Tom Wallisch and his recent Gold at the Winter X Games.   Wallisch is a native of Pittsburgh and started out at Wisp as a kid.   If you missed it, here's a video from the event. 

 

Wisp Resort Slated to Open This Weekend

 Wisp Resort is slated to open this weekend.  The Wisp Resort Lift Status and Grooming Page will keep you in the know on conditions at the resort. 

Ski Season Preview

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette provides an overview of what to expect this season at Wisp and other area ski resorts. 

Wisp Resort White Sale

Wisp Resort is holding a "White Sale" with special offers for skiing and other winter activities on Saturday November 19th only.  Visit their web site for all of the details on how to take advantage of the deals in person, online or by phone. 

Winter Weather Prediction

Garrett County Weather weighs in with a prediction for the upcoming season. 

Great Plug for Deep Creek Lake on Good Morning Maryland

Maryland Open Coming to Wisp Resort

On The Snow reports on the upcoming Maryland Open, scheduled at Wisp Resort on February 26.  

Swallow Falls in Winter

Can't make it to Garrett County in the winter?  Here's a video of Swallow Falls State Park from the Cumberland Times-News.  Also, Everything Deep Creek Blog has a post about about a recent excursion with All-Earth Eco Tours in the park.  

 

Deep Creek Lake Snowshoe Tours

All Earth Eco Tours offers Snowshoe tours around the Deep Creek Lake area.  They visit some interesting locations, including the Cranesville Swamp and Swallow Falls.  Visit their site for all of the details.  

Snow Report

Ski season looks to be off to a banner start.  TBD Reports.  

Wisp Resort Grand Opening and Birthday Celebration

The Post-Gazette reports on Wisp's Grand Opening slated for Thursday along with weekend activities celebrating 55 years of operations.  

Snowmobile Drag Race Video

Brad Nesline at Details Deep Creek Lake provides video of last weekend's Drag Race off of Sand Flat Road.

Snowmobile Drag Race

Bill's Marine Service is sponsoring a Snowmobile Drag Race tomorrow at Harvey's Field - located at 2482 Sandflat Road.  Registration is from 9am until 11am and the race starts at noon.  There is a driver's meeting at 11:45 am.  Cash payout 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Double Elimination, multiple classes. For more info, call 301.387.5536. __________________________________________________________________________________________

Record Snow Fall at Deep Creek Lake May Result in Unprecedented Spring Melt

The following was released from Brookfield Renewable Power and the Maryland Department of Energy this week: 

Deep Creek Hydroelectric Station to Lower Lake Levels;  Lake Users Encouraged to Take Extra Safety Precautions

Sooner or later the record snow fall at Deep Creek Lake must melt and that could cause a record spring runoff. To a limited extent, Deep Creek Lake levels can be controlled by the Deep Creek Hydroelectric Station which operates under a Water Appropriation and Use permit from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). Under the permit conditions, the Station, which is owned by Brookfield Renewable Power, uses water to generate hydropower, but keeps Lake levels within a defined “rule band” with upper and lower limits. This year’s unprecedented snow fall will likely result in an unprecedented snow melt, particularly if temperatures rise quickly.

To avoid serious and potentially damaging high water conditions at the dam and on the Lake, the Maryland Department of the Environment has approved Brookfield’s request 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. David Barnhart, General Manager for Brookfield’s Mid-America Operations said, “Together with MDE, we are doing what we can to anticipate and mitigate the impacts of the spring thaw. As this winter proves, you never know what Mother Nature will throw you and an early, sustained thaw may result in higher than usual water levels.”

The lowered water levels beneath the ice cover, combined with warming temperatures, pose unpredictable risks to recreational users of Deep Creek Lake. Carolyn Mathews, Manager of the Deep Creek Lake Recreation Area advises, “People should remember that there are always hazards to recreating on naturally-formed ice. Lowering the Lake to make additional storage space for the anticipated above-normal spring runoff may destabilize the Lake’s ice and we urge everyone to take special care to stay safe.”

Because many people are potentially affected by this action, MDE is requiring that public notice be provided to the local media. The MDE, Brookfield, and the Department of Natural Resources continue to monitor the Lake’s level and weather conditions to determine whether additional actions for safety of recreational users may be required. For more information on the Lake’s level, please visit www.deepcreekhydro.com.