In the early 1920's the Eastern Land Corporation purchased land in Garrett County, Maryland for the purpose of power generation. Land was purchased around a major stream and its tributaries called Deep Creek. A dam was constructed and the reservoir was filled in 1925 to become Deep Creek Lake. The Lake features over 65 miles of shoreline, measuring 17 miles from north to south, with a surface coverage of almost 4,000 acres. Geography divides the Lake into three distinct parts: the northern and central parts contain the major commercial areas and heaviest developments, being adjacent to the first major roads in the county and the Wisp Resort. By contrast, the southern end of the Lake enjoys the largest open water, with low density residential development mainly along the shorelines. Clear water, endless coves to discover, enough acreage to accommodate all water sports enthusiasts and boat slip availability make Deep Creek Lake one of the premier lake communities on the East Coast. Shoreline 65 miles Elevation 2,462 feet Area of lake at full pool   3,900 acres Average depth 26.5 feet Maximum depth 72 feet Summer surface temp. 73°F Summer bottom temp. 49°F Ice cover in mid-winter ~18 inches