A Path Forward: Town of Lake Lure Announces Target Dates for Reopening Lake Lure Following Hurricane Helene

Aerial View of Lake Lure

Town of Lake Lure

920 Buffalo Creek Road

Lake Lure, NC 28746

 

Press Release

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

A Path Forward: Town of Lake Lure Announces Target Dates for Reopening Lake Lure Following Hurricane Helene

Lake Lure, NC — September 9, 2025 — Nearly one year after the historic devastation of Hurricane Helene on September 27, 2024, the Town of Lake Lure is proud to announce the anticipated timeline for the full restoration and reopening of Lake Lure. This milestone comes after an extraordinary year of collaboration, dedication, and unwavering effort by local, state, and federal partners.

Since October 2024, the Town has worked closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to address the immense damage left behind by the once-in-a-thousand-year storm. Under FEMA’s direction, the USACE has led restoration efforts with critical support from AshBritt Environmental and numerous local contractors, who have worked tirelessly—seven days a week, twelve hours a day—for nearly a full year.

The USACE has identified October 31, 2025 as the target date for completing their work restoring the lake basin and related shoreline. This pivotal milestone represents not only the near-completion of a massive engineering and environmental recovery effort, but also the beginning of a new chapter for the Lake Lure community, Hickory Nut Gorge, and Western NC.

“The Town of Lake Lure is forever grateful to FEMA, the USACE, AshBritt, and the many local contractors and crew members who made this progress possible,” said Mayor Carol Pritchett. “We could never have addressed the scale of destruction from Hurricane Helene without their remarkable support, expertise, and compassion.”

With restoration efforts nearing completion, the Town of Lake Lure is actively preparing for the next phase of recovery—refilling the lake and reopening it to the public. The goal is to welcome residents and visitors back to a fully restored Lake Lure by late spring 2026.

Before the lake can be refilled to its full pond level of 990.5 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL), several critical infrastructure projects must be completed at specific lake levels. These projects are essential to ensure the long-term safety, accessibility, and resilience of Lake Lure.

Target Dates for Refilling Lake Lure:

  • March 1, 2026: Achieve the lake level of 978.5 MSL (12 feet below full pond), allowing regional and collegiate rowing teams to return for spring training. What an amazing way to re-establish the lake for these remarkable athletes who have been utilizing Lake Lure since it was originally opened in 1927.

  • May 1, 2026: Reach full pond (990.5 MSL) and officially reopen Lake Lure for public use, marking a major milestone in the community’s full recovery.

Please note that these target dates are contingent upon the completion of work by USACE, successful completion of infrastructure work at the required lake levels, and weather conditions. Note that the current lake level is approximately 968 MSL, 22.5 feet below full pond.

“Reopening Lake Lure will be more than a return to normal—it will be a symbol of resilience, unity, and the incredible power of partnership,” said Mayor Pritchett. “This achievement will help drive the full recovery of Lake Lure and the greater Hickory Nut Gorge region.”

Additional Recovery Efforts Underway: In addition to reopening the lake, Town officials will be working to restore Morse Park and nearby Town facilities.

  • Town Facilities: The Town is currently awaiting a FEMA determination in order to progress with plans for Town Hall, the Welcome Center, the Washburn Marina, the Marina building, and marine gas pump.

  • Washburn Marina: A plan is underway to rebuild docks for the Washburn Marina. This will be completed in stages and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

  • Gas Pump: A new marine gas pump is being ordered and will be placed near the current viewing station by the path leading to the Gazebo.

  • Restrooms: Port-a-potties will be placed in Morse Park once it reopens.

  • Temporary Town Hall/Police Station: The Town has a lease at The Landings for a temporary Town Hall facility. Most Town staff, including the Police Department, have moved to The Landings at 920 Buffalo Creek Road, Lake Lure NC 28746, until a more permanent plan is developed.

  • Welcome Center: The former Welcome Center building is owned by the Town of Lake Lure. This building will have to be removed, but Town Officials are awaiting a FEMA determination in order to proceed. Plans for a future Welcome Center is under the jurisdiction of the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority.

  • New Playground Equipment: The Town has received a grant for a KaBOOM playground set which will be installed on 10/15/25. A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will be planned once Morse Park reopens.

  • Lake Lure Beach: The Lake Lure Beach Building water lines were destroyed by flooding associated with Hurricane Helene. Town officials have developed a plan to restore the water lines.

The Lake Lure Beach Building will be cleaned and will reopen for the summer season in 2026.

The Town of Lake Lure will continue to provide regular updates as the restoration progresses and invites the community to stay engaged and informed throughout this exciting next chapter.

For additional information and ongoing updates, please visit www.townoflakelure.com.

Media Contact:
Laura Krejci

Town of Lake Lure Communications Director
Phone: (828) 625-9983 x 103
Email: communications@townoflakelure.com

  • Printer-friendly version