Hurricane Helene
In September 2024, Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 hurricane before moving across several states, causing severe damage to Western North Carolina and Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site. Hurricane Helene dropped up to 30 inches of rain and had sustained winds of 60 MPH locally. The rain caused major flooding and erosion and the wind caused many trees to fall.
Carl Sandburg Home NHS currently has several ongoing projects to restore the historic grounds and facilities damaged by Hurricane Helene. Completing these projects can be a lengthy process because park staff are committed to ensuring that repairs are consistent with Department of the Interior standards for historic preservation all while reducing futher impacts to park resources.
This page provides the status of Hurricane Helene recovery projects.
Pre-Hurricane Helene FAQs
What happened to the lake/dam? How did this happen?
The Front Lake Dam, originally constructed in the 1850s, failed in August 2022. The left side of the dam was originally built on earth, not bedrock. Water found a way under this part of the dam and a sinkhole began to form. This leakage was accelerated due to a faulty pipe used to open and close the valve on the dam.
What were the pre-Helene plans to fix the dam?
In spring 2023, the park received $201,000 for the design portion of repairs. Design was the first step and was complex. Design engineers balance keeping original historic elements and appearance with adding modern materials to strengthen and enhance the dam. Design was completed at the time of the hurricane.
Over $1 million in repair money was authorized just prior to Hurricane Helene. The park would have then gone through required compliance and contracting processes. After those requirements were met, repairs would have tentatively started in mid-2025. Repairs were scheduled to take 9-12 months to complete. The estimated repair completion date was mid to late 2026.
When was Front Lake dam built? What was it made of?
Front Lake dam was built in the 1850s. It includes a stone spillway (wall the water flows over, to keep the lake level) and earthen banks on the left and right sides of the spillway. Front Lake bridge was a wooden pedestrian bridge built upon the stone spillway.
Projects In-Progress
Front Lake dam and bridge suffered further destruction by Hurricane Helene. The new damage is substantial. The previously approved repair plan (which included design, compliance, contracting, and a 2025-26 timetable) is no longer valid due to the new, extensive damage.
Two pedestrian bridges were washed away during Hurricane Helene. A temporary solution is in place while we work on restoring the original trail. Funding has been awarded for the design of the bridge and the trail.
A temporary detour path and footbridge are in place until a permanent solution is completed. Design will be completed in 2027.
A tree fell through a maintenance building and the roof must be replaced.
The debris has been cleared, and the project is in the planning phase. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026.