This area is a regular stop on my cycling trips to Northern Baltimore County. After climbing the hill nearby, the bucolic views from here are a welcome respite.
I hope that everyone enjoys the scenery from here. The view is always changing with the seasons. Last year the reservoir was frozen over already, not so much this year. In summer, the trees are green with foliage and the waterfowl make their presence known. No fishing or swimming here, but take all the pictures you want.
About the dam: The dam you see today is much different than it was when it was first built in 1914. The initial construction of the dam used a spur line of the Ma & Pa railroad.on the opposite of the reservoir. The tracks and ties are no longer there, but an unpaved road provides access to the wooded area on the east side of the water.
In 1918, Baltimore city annexed 50 square miles of land in order to enlarge Loch Raven Reservoir. The height of the dam was raised by 62 feet. This new construction was completed in 1922. The raised water level of the reservoir allowed water to be delivered to Lake Montebello by gravity as long as the water level remains above 225 feet MSL. The rise in the water level also led to the flooding of several small towns and mills adjacent to the reservoir.
In 2002, the dam was renovated to accommodate new federal standards. The new construction, overseen by the Army Corps of Engineers, was designed to ensure the dam could withstand a rainfall of 31 inches over 72 hour period. This project was complete in 2005 and gave us the dam you see today. Also installed were the large metal gates on the road, similar to the gates of a river lock. These can be closed in the event of major flood.
The dam after 1922. Railroad spur can be seen to the right.
Construction in 2003
About the cache:Cache is available dusk to dawn. Muggles are usually present, but a modicum of stealth will mitigate that issue. Lots of other caches in the Loch Raven Raven watershed, from easy "cache and dashes" to death defying 5Ts. Something for everyone.
Please Note: Do not log a find if you have not signed the log unless you first get an OK from the CO. Do not log a find and state in your log that you "forgot a pen." You are Geocaching, a pen is pretty much required equipment. If you log a find and your name is not on the log, please do not be surprised if your log is deleted. And get off my lawn. Thank you. Effective 6/01/2020.
Congratulations to GnomeGCer and AllIisVanity for C0- FTF. Always an honor to have these 2 get a FTF on a cache.