Cascade Lake Dam Overflowing: Carroll County Officials

CARROLL COUNTY, MD — A breach of Cascade Lake is possible, and authorities are warning those who live in the community that preparations are underway. The owner of the dam is monitoring the situation, as are state and local officials, according to a joint statement Saturday from the Carroll County Sheriff's Office and Carroll County Board of Commissioners.

The areas that may be impacted are those south of Cascade Lake, officials said, particularly Snydersburg Road, Hampstead Mexico Road and Brodbeck Road.

"As a result of the heavy rainfall overnight Cascade Lake is at its maximum capacity again and water is flowing through the emergency spillway," the statement said. "Due to additional damage to the dam from last night’s storm, there is a potential for an uncontrolled breach of the dam."

Snydersburg Road is closed between Cape Horn Road and Hampstead Mexico Road/MD 482.

"Areas downstream of Cascade Lake along the Tributary of the East Branch of the Patapsco River should be prepared for large amounts of water flowing downstream and possible flooding if an uncontrolled breach occurs," Carroll County authorities advised.

The following roads may also be closed if necessary, officials said:

• Snydersburg Road & Cape Horn Road
• Brodbeck Road by Walmart
• Brodbeck Road – Walmart side at #1517
• Brillhart Road & MD 482
• Brodbeck Road & Schaeffer Drive
• MD 482 & North Brook
• Shiloh Road & Brodbeck Road
• Cape Horn Road & Brillhart Road
• Harvey Gummel Road & N. Cape Horn Road
• MD 30 - Bypass & MD 482

Carroll County officials said that they were notifying residents in the affected areas of the situation.

Sheriff Jim DeWees was going door to door Saturday alerting residents who may be impacted by the dangerously high water and potential flooding, the Carroll County Times reported.

It is the second time this week that authorities have warned the community of possible flooding around Cascade Lake.

The Carroll County Sheriff's Office issued a statement Monday alerting the public that crews were working to remove water from Cascade Lake, which was at dangerously high levels, and Snydersburg Road was closed until further notice.

Engineers said they were devising a plan to conduct a controlled breach of the dam, and authorities reported Friday that the plan had been approved by the Maryland Department of the Environment's Division of Dam Safety.

Still from WBAL helicopter view of Cascade Lake on July 27 via YouTube.