Lake Levels - Drawdown Schedule, Accomplishments, and Plans for Refilling the Lake

Monitor current lake levels here.

The 2023 Lake Drawdown Schedule was announced at Town Council on 7/12/22 and was widely publicized.

• The lake will begin to be lowered on 1/1/23 to support several important infrastructure projects.

• It is anticipated that the lake will begin refilling on 3/31/23. 

• The rate of refilling the lake is dependent upon weather conditions but information will be posted here regarding weekly lake levels.

• Lake levels will vary during the drawdown between 5 feet below full-pond and 12 feet below full-pond, depending on the work requirements of contractors. 

• A list of projects to be completed during the lake drawdown is listed below: 

1. Beginning of Phase One of the sewer system replacement project. This will include boring pipe sleeves on properties in the Sunset Cove area.    
2. Lake dredging with excavators
3. Seawall repair/replacement
4. Penstock inspection and warrantee repairs
5. Work on deep water access ramp near the dam

NOTE: Contractors working on seawall repairs/replacement must be out of the lake by 3/15/23.  

The following projects were completed during the 2021-2022 Lake Drawdown. 

1) Development of a new seawall for the Lake Lure Gazebo: Completed (See photo below)

2) New Boat Ramp in Pool Creek Picnic Park, across from the ABC Store for non-motorized vessels: Complete (See photo below)

3) Rehabilitating manholes to reduce lake water infiltration: 38 manholes have been rehabilitated as of 1/29/22.  An additional 12 manholes will be rehabilitated once the Lake is up by 6 feet.

4) Conducting inspections of lake structures while they are accessible from dry ground (including docks, piers, boathouses, floating platforms and seawalls): Completed

5) Identifying lake structures requiring modifications necessary for the Phase I Sewer System project *: In progress

6) Installing two manholes in Morse Park to enable access and inspection of the existing system: In progress

7) Completing a hydroelectric plant penstock warranty inspection: Completed successfully (See photo below)

* NOTE: The lake is owned by the Town and by Town Ordinance, lake structure property owners are responsible for maintaining their structures in good repair and without hazardous conditions.

It is uncertain if the lake will have to be lowered each year, but it is likely given the projects that are underway.  This scope and drawdown duration determination will be made each year and announced as soon as possible.