Together We Rise - Lake Lure Reopening Plan

The Town of Lake Lure continues to move forward with preparations for a smooth and safe reopening of the lake as water levels steadily rise this spring. The current lake level is 983.7 Mean Sea Level (MSL), 6.8 feet below full pond which is 990.5 MSL. Town leaders are excited for what is anticipated to be a busy and successful season and are working carefully to ensure the lake is fully safe and operational before public recreational use resumes.

Lake refilling operations are currently underway. River flow is being maintained downstream of the dam through the recently installed drain valve and the Tainter gates in order to maximize refill time.

• The reservoir drain valve allows for controlled release of water to manage lake levels, typically for maintenance, infrastructure projects, or emergency drawdown events. 
• The Tainter gates allow staff to control the rate at which water is routinely released on a day-to-day basis. 
• The pace of the Lake Lure’s rise will depend on rainfall and weather, as well as the completion of several important maintenance and safety projects around the lake.

During this period, Town staff and authorized contractors are conducting critical work including:

• Wastewater collection system inspections and repairs as necessary;
• Structural stability checks on storm-damaged boathouses and potential removal or repair where needed;
• Debris removal from previously inaccessible areas of the lakebed and shoreline;
• Backshore erosion stabilization and seawall repair;
• Boat ramp restoration to allow safe public access;
• West-end dredging and riverbank stabilization from Memorial Bridge to the tip of Morse Park;
• Construction of the Washburn Marina docks and fueling area;
• Fish habitat restoration and navigation buoy placement

These efforts are part of a structured reopening framework designed to ensure the lake is safe, navigable, and fully prepared for public use.

Lake Infrastructure Maintenance Period (Current Level to Full Pond)

While the lake continues to refill, Town Public Works staff and authorized contractors are conducting infrastructure inspections, debris removal, and structural repairs. Limited supervised activities may occur during this phase under strict safety oversight.

Boat Transport Period by Approved Contractors

(Approximately five feet below full pond to full pond, 984 to 989.5 Mean Sea Level)

As water levels approach normal operating levels, the Town anticipates establishing a limited boat transport period that may last approximately three weeks, depending on rainfall.

It is important to understand that this phase is not a reopening of the lake and does not allow public recreational use. The purpose of this limited window is simply to reduce congestion and safety concerns that could occur if many property owners attempted to launch boats at the same time once the lake fully opens.

During this period, property owners will have the option to hire a Town-approved contractor to transport their boat from the ramp to their existing boathouse or authorized boat slip. Participation in this program is completely optional. You may review the list of Town approved contractors here.

Property owners who prefer to launch and place their boats themselves may do so once the lake officially reopens for recreational use. However, personal boat launches will not be allowed during this limited transport period.

In other words:

• If a property owner would like their boat placed on the lake before the full reopening, they may hire an approved contractor to transport it.
• If a property owner prefers to launch the boat themselves, they simply need to wait until the lake is fully reopened.

During the transport period:

• Only Town-approved contractors will be allowed to launch vessels from the ramp.
• Contractors may transport boats strictly for placement at an existing boathouse or authorized boat slip.
• No recreational boating or lake use of any kind will be allowed during this phase unless authorized.
• Once delivered, boats must remain secured at the dock or structure until the Town formally opens the lake.
• Personal boating, cruising, testing vessels, paddling, or any other form of lake use will not be allowed during this phase.
• You may review information on Boat Permits here and the 2026 Lake Use Regulations here. 
• Please note the new location for Lake Permitting which is now at The Landings (Temporary Town Hall) at 920 Buffalo Creek Road, Lake Lure, NC 28746. You may call 828-625-9983 ext. 505 for assistance.

The requirement that only approved contractors operate during this period is necessary for several important reasons:

• Safety and liability: Contractors must meet the Town’s commercial lake requirements and carry proper insurance coverage.
• Knowledge of post-storm conditions: The lake environment has changed following the storm. Approved operators are familiar with remaining hazards, shifting depths, and temporary navigation considerations.
• Coordination with active work crews: Multiple contractors will still be performing debris removal, dredging, and shoreline repairs. Approved operators coordinate directly with the Town to avoid conflicts with those operations.
• Limited ramp access: The Washburn Marina ramp will have limited capacity during this phase. Contractor scheduling allows the Town to manage ramp access safely and avoid congestion.

This controlled process allows boats to be returned gradually to docks while minimizing safety risks and maintaining order during the final stages of lake preparation.

Permit stickers for motorized vessels will be temporarily waived for the sole purpose of contractor transport during this phase. However, motorized vessels must obtain the appropriate lake permit before they may be operated recreationally once the lake reopens.

Full Lake Reopening for Public Recreational Use

When the lake reaches normal operating levels (approximately 989 Mean Sea Level or higher) and all operational conditions are confirmed safe, the Town will formally announce the full reopening of Lake Lure for recreational use.

At that time:

• Both motorized and non-motorized vessels may again be used on the lake
• The Washburn Marina ramp is expected to be fully operational
• Property owners may launch their own boats
• Motorized vessels must display valid lake permits in accordance with Lake Use Regulations

A Final Reminder to the Community

The Town understands the excitement surrounding the lake’s reopening and appreciates the patience shown by residents and property owners throughout the recovery process.

We are very close to reopening the lake.

However, until debris removal, infrastructure work, and safety checks are fully completed, unauthorized lake use could put individuals at risk and interfere with the final stages of restoration work.

For that reason, all lake use, including both motorized and non-motorized vessels, remains prohibited outside of authorized and monitored activities until the Town formally announces the reopening.

The Town appreciates the community’s continued patience and cooperation as these final steps are completed and looks forward to welcoming residents and visitors back to Lake Lure soon.

Questions: For questions please email Communications@townoflakelure.com or cal 828-625-9983 x 103.

Photo credit: James Parker, WSPA