Lake Level Updates 2/18/26 - Together We Rise

Lake Lure is currently at 976.6 Mean Sea Level (MSL), which is approximately 15 feet below full pond (990.5 MSL).

The lake began refilling on February 6, 2026, when the water level was 974.2 MSL, as shown in the photo above. The images highlight the change in lake level from the same location in Morse Park, facing east and overlooking the main channel.

Refilling Lake Lure will be a slow and carefully managed process. For safety and environmental reasons, the lake level cannot be raised by more than approximately one foot per day, and progress will depend heavily on rainfall and weather conditions.

The Town of Lake Lure and local businesses remain open and welcoming visitors. However, the lake itself remains closed to all unauthorized personnel during this recovery period.

The Town is also pleased to announce the State’s new contract with the North Carolina State Mission Assigned Recovery Task (SMART) Program. Crews will be actively picking up debris around the lake and along the shoreline as water levels continue to rise.

Morse Park and the new playground equipment are open to the public, though visitors will notice marina docks currently being staged in the parking lot as construction continues.

Construction of the new Washburn Marina and boardwalk is underway and is anticipated to open in July 2026. A new fueling station, new docks for tour boats, and the existing boat ramp are expected to be ready for use by May 2026.

Water samples have been taken weekly throughout Lake Lure, and the Town is pleased to report that all results remain within acceptable limits.

To further support fish habitat, trees will be placed around the lake in the coming weeks. Long-term ecological recovery will continue to be guided by years of professional fishery studies.

Town officials will announce reopening dates for the lake as soon as the timeline can be confirmed. At this time, officials remain hopeful that Lake Lure and Lake Lure Beach may reopen by Memorial Weekend in May 2026. If the lake refills sooner than anticipated, this timeline may be adjusted accordingly.

For more information on these topics and much more, please read the latest Town News. 

Thank you for your continued patience and support as we work through this process together.  Together We Rise!

 Published 2/18/26