Arkabutla Lake Update
RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING PUBLIC USE OF CORPS OF ENGINEERS WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
Title 36 Section 327.14a states that “ destruction, defacement, removal, or any alteration of public property [which includes archeological features] is prohibited.” Find additional recreation regulations here [hyperlink https://www.mvk.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Rules-and-Regulations/]
The Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) of 1979, amended 1988, prohibits individuals from removing, selling, purchasing, exchanging, transporting or receiving Native American artifacts from federal lands without a permit. Individuals who violate this law could face fines of up to $100,000 and imprisonment for up to 5 years.
Additionally, the Native American Graves and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) of 1990 makes it a criminal offense for individuals to transport Native American remains without appropriate permission. First offense penalties include up to 12 months imprisonment and a $100,00 fine.
Concerning drone usage:
Title 36, Section 327.04 Aircraft.
(a) This section pertains to all aircraft including, but not limited to, airplanes, seaplanes, helicopters, ultra-light aircraft, motorized hang gliders, hot air balloons, any non-powered flight devices or any other such equipment.
(b) The operation of aircraft on project lands at locations other than those designated by the District Engineer is prohibited. This provision shall not be applicable to aircraft engaged on official business of Federal, state or local governments or law enforcement agencies, aircraft used in emergency rescue in accordance with the directions of the District Engineer or aircraft forced to land due to circumstances beyond the control of the operator.
(c) No person shall operate any aircraft while on or above project waters or project lands in a careless, negligent or reckless manner so as to endanger any person or property.
USACE Vicksburg District determines Arkabutla Dam currently stable due to low reservoir pool levels, lifts potential breach emergency declaration - June12, 2023
VICKSBURG, Miss. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Vicksburg District determined that Arkabutla Dam, in Arkabutla, Mississippi, is stable at the current low lake elevation as of June 12, 2023 and has downgraded the WATCH condition at Arkabutla Dam in DeSoto and Tate Counties, Mississippi to ALERT.
The current lake elevation is approximately 199 feet as of noon today, which is necessary to initiate interim repairs at the structure. The district will maintain an elevation of approximately 200 feet due to how quickly the lake responds to heavy rainfall and to mitigate any future downstream effects.
The district would re-issue a potential breach WATCH if lake elevations become greater than 210 feet. Public safety remains the top priority and the district will provide updates as they become available.
The district issued an emergency declaration May 8 for a potential breach WATCH after observing a depression near the toe of the dam.
All day use and fee use areas directly downstream of the dam are closed. The full list of closures is as follows.
- Old Pratt Road
- Toe Ditch Road
- Basketball Court
- Disc Golf Course
- North Outlet Playgrounds
- North Outlet Restroom
- North Outlet Pavilion 761 River (Closed in recreation.gov.)
- North Outlet Day Use Area
- Coldwater River Nature Trail
- Fishing Pier
- South Outlet Boat Ramp
- Swinging Bridge Nature Trail
- South Outlet Campground
- South Outlet Restroom
- South Outlet Day Use Area
Prior Press Releases
May 15, 2023 - Arkabutla Dam failure NOT imminent as USACE Vicksburg District assesses conditions, temporary solutions
May 9, 2023 - USACE Vicksburg District activates Emergency Operations Center for potential breach at Arkabutla Dam
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