Big Bear lake 3

Big Bear Lake was one of the first large-scale water projects in Southern California; the original dam was built in the 1880’s. CA 38 is one of three highways going through Big Bear valley; it used to cross over the dam itself at the west end of the lake:

The roadway passed over the dam itself, on a very narrow road.

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The new roadway swings out farther west than the old roadbed did; it used to roll down this slope and over the dam.

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The new road passes over this bridge, much more modern looking than the old roadbed.

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The dam keepers used to live in this house above the dam:

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The west, or dam end of the lake.

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The east end of the lake, looking west:

The New Jersey Institute of Technology runs the Big Bear Solar Observatory, the white building above on the north side of the lake.

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The dam end of the lake, looking east:

 

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