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Lake Lure Sets Target Dates to Reopen the Lake After Hurricane Helene Devastation

  • Writer: Annie Dance
    Annie Dance
  • Sep 10
  • 2 min read

Nearly a year after Hurricane Helene devastated Lake Lure on September 27, 2024, town officials have announced a timeline for reopening the lake, marking a major milestone in the region’s recovery. WCAB News was the only outlet present at the town council meeting on Sept. 9, where it was announced before the town issued a press release.


Since last October, the Town of Lake Lure has worked with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to repair extensive damage. USACE has led the restoration, with critical support from AshBritt Environmental and local contractors working around the clock for nearly a year.


The USACE targets October 31, 2025, to complete lake basin and shoreline restoration. Mayor Carol Pritchett said, “We could never have tackled the scale of destruction from Hurricane Helene without FEMA, USACE, AshBritt, and our local contractors. Their dedication made this progress possible.”


Next Steps: Refilling and Reopening Lake Lure


Town officials are preparing to refill the lake and reopen it to the public by late spring 2026, contingent on completed infrastructure work and weather conditions. The lake is currently at 968 MSL, 22.5 feet below full pond (990.5 MSL).


  • March 1, 2026: Lake reaches 978.5 MSL (12 feet below full pond), allowing regional and collegiate rowing teams to return.


  • May 1, 2026: Full pond achieved; lake officially reopens for public use.


“Reopening Lake Lure is more than a return to normal—it’s a symbol of resilience and partnership,” said Mayor Pritchett.


Other Recovery Efforts


  • Morse Park & Playground: KaBOOM playground set installed October 15, 2025; park reopening and ribbon-cutting planned soon after.


  • Washburn Marina: Dock reconstruction in stages; new marine gas pump to be installed.


  • Town Facilities: Temporary Town Hall and police operations moved to The Landings, 920 Buffalo Creek Road, while FEMA reviews rebuild plans for Town Hall and the Welcome Center.


  • Lake Lure Beach: Water lines and building restoration set for the 2026 summer season.


Stay tuned to WCAB News for more from the town council meeting and future developments from hurricane recovery.

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