Dam Reconstruction
Following Hurricane Helene, the State of North Carolina conducted inspections of private earthen dams throughout the state. As part of that process, Kanuga’s dam underwent extensive review, including soil borings conducted in the summer of 2025. What began as a project to replace the lake’s main valve ultimately became a state-mandated reconstruction of key dam infrastructure, including a totally replaced new main concrete spillway and valve, and major enhancements to the existing earthen spillway and stilling basin, and adding a concrete culvert auxiliary spillway.
July 28th – The waterfront is open and splashing, and seeing swimmers back in the lake fills our hearts with joy!
July 21st – The lake is coming back to life, and it’s a beautiful sight! Water levels continue to rise each day, bringing us closer to the return of swimming. While we’re not quite there yet, the waterfront is looking better every day, and we expect to welcome swimmers very soon.
July 13th – Great news, boating is back! Guests can enjoy boating daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. We’re also getting close to reopening swimming. The platforms just need a few more feet of water, and we expect to welcome swimmers back any day now.
June 30th, 2026 – Every day brings a little more water, and a little more excitement. The lake has now reached the swim platforms, and one of the best signs of all: fish are already swimming through the newly filled waters!
June 23rd, 2026 – The lake is actively rising, and we are grateful to watch it return day by day. Seeing the water steadily refill is a joyful reminder of the renewal taking place across campus.
June 16th, 2026 – The official request to close the lake valve has been submitted to the state, and we expect the valve to be closed immediately. With several opportunities for rain in the forecast, the lake should begin refilling quickly. If conditions cooperate, we anticipate the lake returning to its normal level within the next couple of weeks.
We are deeply grateful for your understanding and support. Unfortunately, we had no choice but to do this work after the State of North Carolina required the lake to be drained and that we do extensive repairs. The work being done today, at a cost of over $1.6 million, is an investment in preserving and strengthening this sacred place so that generations to come may experience the same renewal, connection, and hospitality that have made Kanuga so special for nearly a century.
View FAQs here.
