LAKE LURE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Lake Lure remains about 15 feet below full pond as the town continues work to replace seals on the Tainter gates at the Lake Lure Dam, a project officials say is on schedule and expected to be completed in February 2026.

Town officials said the lake level will be maintained at approximately 975 feet mean sea level during the work. Once the project is complete, the town plans to begin refilling the lake, with a target of reopening to the public in May 2026.

Full pond at Lake Lure is 990.5 feet mean sea level.

Officials said shoreline debris remains in several coves around the lake. The town is finalizing a contract with the state’s SMART Program to remove remaining debris. Town crews are also expected to assist with debris removal once the lake returns to full pond.

Additional restoration work is underway in and around Morse Park. Crews will armor the shoreline with riprap in the coming weeks to prevent erosion and stabilize the bank. Mechanical dredging is also planned in low-lying areas to reduce future sediment buildup. Dirt currently stockpiled in the park will be used to level the grounds and address drainage concerns.

While the lake is drawn down, town engineers and staff are conducting inspections and maintenance on the dam and sewer system to take advantage of the lower water levels.

The lake remains closed to all unauthorized personnel, and officials warned residents and visitors not to enter the lake or lakebed for safety reasons and to avoid fines. Town officials said businesses in Lake Lure remain open and welcoming visitors.

Reconstruction of the Washburn Marina and floating boardwalk is underway, with completion expected by mid-July 2026. Some work cannot be completed until the lake reaches full pond, which officials anticipate by May. Plans include a new boat ramp, a new dock and fueling station, and a temporary utility building for the 2026 season while a permanent marina structure is planned.

The town also announced it has received several Helene grants from the Division of Water Infrastructure to support improvements to its water and sewer systems, including $464,000 for new bulk chemical storage at the water treatment plant, $6.6 million for an emergency waterline, and $5 million for a new wastewater treatment plant outside the floodplain.

As part of ongoing sewer system maintenance, staff have begun smoke testing lakeside manholes to identify leaks and prevent environmental impacts. Public Service crews have also commissioned a new SCADA system at Pump Station 34 and completed cleaning of downtown manholes and sewer lines.

Officials said updates will continue to be provided as projects progress. Learn more here.