Lake Lure is forever grateful to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers!

Not all dirt is created equal! What we often call “mud” or “dirt” is actually sediment, and it comes in all shapes and sizes — from gritty sand, to silky silt, and even down to fine clay.

After Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina, tons of this sediment was washed down from upstream — including areas around Chimney Rock — and ended up collecting where the Broad River flows into Lake Lure.

Fallen trees and damaged bridges acted like a temporary dam, trapping the sediment and creating a major buildup. Now, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, under FEMA authority, is removing these massive deposits to help restore Lake Lure’s natural beauty and ensure the waterway is safe and accessible again.

We’re moving mountains to support this recovery.