Lake Lure Dam Reservoir Drain Project Progression
May 2024
If you have been following Town News, you know that the Town of Lake Lure is in the process of installing a Reservoir Drain at the Lake Lure Dam. Morgan Corporation is overseeing this project and you can see the work taking place at the dam right now if you have driven by lately. This work includes a concrete bulkhead, metal portal door, and metal trash rack which have been transported by barge from the Broad River in Morse Park over to the Dam in recent weeks. This will be what seals off the Dam to install the 72” drain pipe and two valves. Divers are working in the area and the Lake is being maintained on the low end of the Town's normal operating limits (between 989.5 - 990.5 mean sea level) as this work is being accomplished. As of this week, the project finished pouring concrete that will hold the Jet Flow Valve at the back side of the dam, which will diffuse flow, when the Town opens it up. To date, the project has poured close to 1,000 Cubic Yards of concrete, around 100 concrete trucks.
The Town of Lake Lure purchased the 72” Gate Valve and a 60” Jet Flow Valve that will serve as the reservoir drain. The valves have been specifically made for the Lake Lure Dam and will allow the Town to drain the Lake down by as much as 20 feet if needed. This is an emergency preparedness feature in the event the Lake needs to be lowered during a significant storm or for specific infrastructure work.
If you are boating in the area, please note that "Do Not Enter" signs have been placed on the buoys near the Dam. The boom that is normally at the Lake Lure Dam is temporarily down for the work that is being done. The "Do Not Enter" signs mark where traffic needs to stop, unless you are authorized to enter, or you have a home past the "Do Not Enter" signs.
Thank you for your compliance in not entering this area while this work is taking place. Please stay tuned for updates on this important project.
6/21/24 Update
Morgan Corp and the Dive Team will be working this weekend both Saturday and Sunday to keep the Reservoir Drain Project on schedule.
Please note the signs near the dam and continue to stay clear of the area.l for everyone's safety.
Thank you.
7/3/24 Update
This week Morgan Corporation took delivery of the 1st two segments of 72” pipe that will attach to back side of the dam and then bolt to the 72” Gate Valve.
They are currently in the process of building a custom rail system to install, lift, and fit the pipe through and into the mass concrete block opening.
Net up we hope to see the Gate Valve being delivered in August.
Stay tuned for more….
7/10/24 Update
Tomorrow, Thursday, 7/11/24 from 7 AM to 5 PM Morgan Corporation and the divers will be setting the trash rack for the new reservoir drain project. Please avoid the Yacht Island area and the cove near the dam during these times. The barge cannot have any wakes hitting it during this time frame. The barge cannot have any wakes hitting it during this time frame.
Thank you for your assistance and patience as this important project continues. For questions, please contact Communications@townoflakelure.com.
7/11/24 Update
The work by Morgan Corporation and the diving crew continues. Crews are pulling the Trash Rack out of the water currently to make some modifications to the attachment points.
Please avoid the Yacht Island area and the cove near the dam on Friday, 7/12/24 from 7 AM to 5 PM. The barge cannot have any wakes hitting it during this time frame.
Thank you for your assistance and patience as this important project continues. For questions, please contact Communications@townoflakelure.com.
7/12/24 Update
The Morgan Corporation team will be working this Saturday, July 13th.
- Glenn Industrial will be working to install the remaining temporary anchors for the trash rack.
- The crane will not be suspended, so wake levels within Yacht Island can return to normal.
- The barge will stay in place on Sunday 7/14, and will be monitored.
The entire team is grateful for the support we have received this week!
7/15/24 Update
Morgan Corp and Divers will be in the final stages this week securing the Trash Rack to the Dam on the upstream side. Next week crews will be looking at beginning the process of drilling the 72” hole to facilitate the new pipe and Valve installation.
Please see the three graphic renderings of the piping and valves on the downstream side of the dam.
- The Knife Gate Valve will be the 1st valve installed closest to the Dam.
- The Jet Flow Valve is the 2nd valve installed and will be used to diffuse the flow when in operation.
Stay tuned for future updates.
April 17, 2025
Lake Lure Reservoir Drain Commissioned
Celebrating a Milestone
By Schnabel Engineering
On March 26, the Lake Lure Reservoir Drain was successfully commissioned, marking a major milestone in a complex and rewarding dam rehabilitation effort.
Lake Lure Dam, a nearly 100-year-old, high hazard dam, is a 120-foot-tall concrete multiple-arch buttress structure. Schnabel Engineering has been proud to support the Town of Lake Lure, North Carolina through a comprehensive program of assessment, design, and construction-phase services. To meet NCDEQ Dam Safety requirements and improve operational safety and flexibility, Schnabel designed a retrofit low-level outlet (reservoir drain). The reservoir drain is a critical feature enabling safe lake drawdown for maintenance and emergency response. The new reservoir drain, installed by Morgan Corp., includes a concrete bulkhead with a hinged door, a 72-inch steel-lined penstock, and dual-valve control system.
During the design phase, Schnabel performed extensive evaluations including underwater dive inspections, finite element modeling, and hydrologic/hydraulic analyses. Innovative engineering and construction solutions were required to install the reservoir drain while maintaining a full reservoir. The updated structure is designed for safety, long-term durability, and future adaptability with the planned replacement dam.
We congratulate the entire team for this achievement in this landmark project!
