Two years after Hurricane Helene, Beech Mountain still faces a dangerous problem beneath its only drinking-water reservoir.
Storm damage left Buckeye Lake’s dam unable to properly release emergency floodwaters. Town officials warn another major storm could create a serious safety threat.
Last month’s rainstorm almost did:
Helene dumped extreme rainfall across the mountains in September 2024. Debris and sediment then poured into Buckeye Lake. The storm damaged the water intake system, spillway and flood-release infrastructure. Those problems remain unresolved today.
Engineers have recommended draining the lake to fully inspect and repair the damage. However, the town would first need another temporary water source. The entire repair process could take nearly a year once work begins.
ccofficials estimate the broader project could cost at least $60 million. Beech Mountain has already spent more than $1 million evaluating the damage and developing repair plans.
The town is also working toward a second water source to reduce dependence on Buckeye Lake.
That backup system could become critical during future storms, droughts or major repairs.
Beech Mountain has fewer than 1,000 permanent residents, but tourism can push the population much higher.
For now, the town continues relying on Buckeye Lake while searching for enough funding to complete the repairs.
Two years after Helene, the threat remains unresolved — and another major storm could expose just how vulnerable the system remains.
