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The Youghiogheny River Reservoir (aka Youghiogheny River Lake) straddles the Pennsylvania – Maryland border, starting just north of Friendsville, MD in western Garrett County. The entire reservoir covers approximately 2800 acres, spanning 16 miles with 38 miles of shoreline. The reservoir was created in 1944 by damming the northward-flowing Youghiogheny River for the purpose of flood control and hydroelectric power; the dam itself is located in Confluence, PA. The dam, reservoir, and the immediate shoreline are owned by the US Army Corps of Engineers; fishing and other recreation are managed jointly by the states of Pennsylvania and Maryland with the Army Corps. Habitats include shallow and deep waters; deciduous and coniferous woodlots along the shores; rocky embankments on the shores; sunken trees and snags; and shallow vegetated flats that provide excellent habitat. Water level fluctuations, depending on annual rainfall, are extreme, especially in fall, when the water levels are often drawn down. Water flowing through the dam is managed to provide electric power as well as to provide white water rafting and other recreational opportunities downstream of the dam and to maintain optimal water temperatures for fish spawning in the river. There are numerous access points for birding the reservoir from the shore.