Vicksburg, Miss – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District (USACE-MVK) continues to advance interim risk reduction measures (IRRM) at Arkabutla Dam in Northwest Mississippi that are scheduled to be completed by late September 2024. These measures include adding piezometers to increase real-time monitoring of groundwater pressure and installing relief wells to relieve water pressure and to allow excess water to be diverted safely.
A Dam Safety Modification Study (DSMS) is also underway. The risk reduction measures and the DSMS are in response to an emergency declaration issued in March 2023, when a depression was discovered near the toe of the dam. This study explores options for long-term risk reduction solutions such as structural repairs, modifications, or operational changes, to address the issues at the Dam. The study is expected to be complete in 2025. Once the study is complete and the permanent risk reduction solution is identified, final design and construction will begin.
The long-term solution will likely be substantial, leading to lengthy design and construction periods, possibly up to 9-12 years. It is expected that the pool level at the Dam will be maintained at 204’ throughout the IRRM, the DSMS, and until the long-term solution is complete.
Safety remains a top priority to the USACE Vicksburg District. Lake Staff and additional personnel are vigilantly monitoring the situation at Arkabutla Dam for any changes.
Highway 51 Landing provides boating access into the Coldwater River above Arkabutla Dam and will remain the only open boat ramp at Arkabutla Lake. Camping and other recreational use of Arkabutla Lake area remain open, except for day use and fee use areas directly downstream of the dam.
Recreational activities at Arkabutla Lake will continue during this time such as the annual archery hunt, Outdoor Recreation Day, and MS Wildlife’s Truck or Treat in October, the physically challenged hunt in December, youth waterfowl hunt, youth squirrel hunt, and Bald Eagle survey in January, youth racoon hunt in February, and more.
The USACE Vicksburg District is engineering solutions to the nation’s toughest challenges. The Vicksburg District encompasses a 68,000-square-mile area across portions of Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana, that holds nine major river basins and incorporates approximately 460 miles of mainline Mississippi River levees. The Vicksburg District is engaged in hundreds of projects and employs approximately 1,100 personnel.
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