2024 Lake Drawdown Schedule (2024)

The Town of Lake Lure, NC began raising the Lake on 3/31/24. The rate of refilling the Lake is based on the weather and the amount of rainfall received. The lake is at 982.16 as of 4/2/24. Full-pond is 990.5 so the lake is currently down 8.34 feet, up from 12 feet below full-pond during the drawdown.

Thank you for your support of the lake drawdown for important infrastructure projects.

For questions, please emailCommunications@townoflakelure.com.

February 2024 Update

The lake must be at 12 ft. down for Ruby-Collins to complete their work on the sewer system replacement project, which is typically doable during adverse weather events with the assistance of the hydro-electric plant and flood gates. However, when operating the hydroelectric plant and flood gates, Morgan Corporation, (who is completing the reservoir drain installation at the dam)is unable to function due to the wet conditions that are created.

The drain valve installation is the current priority for the Town of Lake Lure because it is necessary for the completion of the sewer replacement project in future lake drawdowns. It is also a safety requirement bythe NC Dam Safety Office.

Town Council determined that it would be most beneficial to halt Ruby-Collins’s work for the remainder of this drawdown in 2024. This will allow Morgan Corporation to continue operations during rain events because the Town will use 12 ft. drawdown as a protective buffer without the need to use the hydro-electric or flood gates.

The plan is to begin raising the Lake on March 31st, 2024. The timing for refilling the Lake back to full pond depends on the weather and the amount of rainfall received.

Thank you for your support of the lake drawdown for these critical projects. For questions, please email Communications@townoflakelure.com.

July 2023 Updates

On 7/26/23,Town Council approved a revised drawdown schedule based on the needs of the contractors. The plan for the next Lake Drawdown is 1/1/24 - 3/31/24.

The Lake will be drawn down by 12 feet. The purpose of the Lake drawdown is to allow for the completion of priority infrastructure projects including the construction of the reservoir drain at the dam, the sewer system replacement project including the Gravity Lift System (GLS)in the North end of Sunset Cove, dredging, seawall and boathouse construction/maintenance, dam and hydroelectric plant maintenance, and sewer cleaning and maintenance.

While the Lake will begin rising on March 31st, 2024, the rate of refilling the Lake is based on the weather and the amount of rainfall received.

Thank you for your support of the lake drawdown for these critical projects. For questions, please email Communications@townoflakelure.com.

January 2023 Lake Drawdown Summary

Lake Lure was drawdown down 1/1/23 forinfrastruturework and began refilling on 3/31/23. The Lake was back within normal limits by 4/30/23!

The following is a brief overview of the projects that took place during the Lake drawdown:

1. Beginning of Phase One of the sewer system replacement project.This included the installation of boring pipe sleeves on properties in the Sunset Cove area. The boring sleeves are the casing for the future sewer pipes that will be installed. The contractorcompleted 10 boring sleeves on the north end of the cove during this drawdown. Many lessons were learned and the engineering teams will be meeting to assess the work that was accomplished and make plans for next steps.

2. Lake dredging with excavators:Excavationdredging took place in the river next to Morse Park. This wentvery well but must stop in preparation for refilling the lake. The disturbed land will be repaired and re-seeded. Thegravel road will be scraped andregraveled, as needed. Once the lake returns to full pond, hydraulic dredging is expected to continue.

3. Penstock inspection and warrantyrepairs:The Penstock inspection and repairs have been completed. Everything was satisfactory and the Penstock is operational.

4. Work on deep water access ramp near the dam:The Town received a signed contract to allow work to proceed. Next steps include a site meeting with the Engineers to make changes to site conditions.

5.Reservoir Drain Construction Project (Dam Valves):This project has been awarded. We are awaiting the delivery of the valves and anticipate starting this work in the spring 2024.

6. Horizontal Direction Drilling for Sanitary Sewer System:This project has been posted twice for bids.Updates will be provided when additional information becomes available.

Thank you for your support during these necessary Lakedrawdowns!

2024 Lake Drawdown Schedule (2024)

FAQs

Does Lake Hopatcong get drained? ›

Starting in late winter or early spring, depending on when the ice breaks away from the docks, rainfall is allowed to raise the lake level. The 60 inch (five foot) drawdown is scheduled every five years and begins on or after September 22.

What is the water level management plan for Lake Hopatcong? ›

The Lake Hopatcong Water Level Management Plan

After the summer season, an annual drawdown of 22 inches is performed to prevent waterfront structures from ice damage and minimize the potential for property damage. This also permits some minor maintenance to be completed along the shoreline.

What is the temperature of the water in Lake Hopatcong? ›

Lake Hopatcong's current water temperature is 74°F Todays forecast is, Cloudy With a high around 87°F and the low around 54°F.

How deep is the deepest part of Lake Hopatcong? ›

Why is there no swimming in Lake Hopatcong? ›

An area of Lake Hopatcong is closed to the public after two rounds of water testing in the area showed high levels of harmful algae blooms.

Is Lake Hopatcong no wake? ›

The crest of the dam at Lake Hopatcong is 9.0 feet. NJSP high-water level is 9.5 feet when boat speeds are greatly restricted and no wakes are allowed.

What feeds Lake Hopatcong? ›

Lake Hopatcong
Typenatural lake, reservoir
Primary inflowsWeldon Brook, Unnamed Streams, natural spring
Primary outflowsMusconetcong River
Basin countriesUnited States
15 more rows

What is the water cycle management plan? ›

A WCMP details the measures to be undertaken within the development site to address the issues of reducing stormwater run-off from the site (roof and surface water) including site discharge and water quality and reducing potable water use.

Is Lake Hopatcong a clean lake? ›

Both Lake Hopatcong and Greenwood Lake have felt the effects of severe algae blooms in recent years. Each has been forced to close multiple times due to high concentrations of cyanobacteria, the type of algae found in the blooms.

Is Lake Hopatcong fresh or salt? ›

Nine miles in length and 2,500 acres of freshwater, Lake Hopatcong offers outdoor enthusiasts many recreational opportunities. Lake Hopatcong is the largest lake in New Jersey and the most striking feature of Hopatcong State Park.

What is a comfortable lake water temperature? ›

For safety's sake, most swimmers should wait until the water temperature reaches at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit. But even that can be too chilly for most people to enjoy the experience. If you give the water time to warm up, you'll stay safer and have more fun.

Why would a lake be drained? ›

An operable lake drain accomplishes the following: Makes for a safer dam by providing a method to lower the lake level in an emergency situation. Allows the dam owner to have greater control of the lake level for maintenance, winter drawdown and emergency situations. Meets the requirements of state dam safety laws.

Is Lake Hopatcong a flood zone? ›

The city of Lake Hopatcong has major risk from flooding. There are 1,394 properties in Lake Hopatcong at risk of flooding over the next 30 years. This represents 28% of all properties in Lake Hopatcong. Find the flood risk for a specific property.

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