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Arkabutla Lake will be experiencing substantially lower water levels for an extended period of time. Long-term repairs to Arkabutla Dam must be completed before water levels can return to normal. This affects boating access and water-based activities on the lake. Many boat ramps are currently closed with Hwy. 51 Landing being the only open ramp. Most day use and campground facilities remain open for public use. For more information, please contact the Arkabutla Lake Field Office at 662-562-6261 or 662-292-1992.

Arkabutla Lake Update

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District has released the Draft Environmental Assessment for the Arkabutla Dam Safety Modification Study Published: February 28, 2025 Arkabutla Dam Safety Modification Study Draft Environmental Assessment (7mb) Attachments to DEA Arkabutla Dam Safety Modification Study (12mb) (Click the links above to download the documents) Comments, ideas, and questions related to the EA can be emailed to Taylor Piefke at taylor.piefke@usace.army.mil or sent via U.S. Postal Service to: USACE Vicksburg District ATTN: Taylor Piefke, Regional Planning and Environment Division South (RPEDS) 4155 Clay Street Vicksburg, MS 39183 Arkabutla Dam Emergency - Lake Levels Expected to Surpass 220 Feet as Spring Flood Season Begins Published: February 14, 2025 Arkabutla, Miss. – Recent storms have brought significant rainfall to the Arkabutla Lake area, pushing lake levels above 210 feet and prompting expectations that they will exceed 220 feet within the next two weeks and is dependent on where and when the rain falls. Pool levels at Arkabutla Dam, located in DeSoto and Tate Counties in Northwest Mississippi, can fluctuate quickly especially during the rainy season. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District (USACE-Vicksburg District) declared a potential breach emergency status at Arkabutla Lake in May of 2023, when a depression was discovered near the toe of the dam. The Corps has been maintaining the lake at approximately 204 feet to reduce pressure on the dam and to complete repairs. The Corps will continue to draw down the increased pool levels with releases up to 4,500 cfs until the level reaches the 204 feet target level. Coldwater River levels below the dam in and around Marks, MS in Quitman County are expected to reach flood stages early next week. The area saw similar conditions on January 10, 2025, when levels crested at 39.6 ft. in Marks. The Corps is coordinating with the National Weather Service and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency to maximize public awareness in affected areas. Safety remains a top priority, and the USACE-Vicksburg District has increased to 24-hour surveillance at the dam over the next month. Additional remote monitoring devices are in place and added personnel are on the ground to assess the situation for any changes in the dam. The physical condition of the dam remains unchanged, and a dam breach is NOT imminent. With spring flood season underway and the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center’s seasonal outlook predicting higher-than-average rainfall, the lake and downstream communities are likely to experience more frequent and broader changes in pool and river levels during this time. Please visit this site to get regularly updated reservoir pool levels: https://www.mvk-wc.usace.army.mil/resrep.htm River levels, including the Coldwater River at Marks, MS can be monitored here: https://water.noaa.gov 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. UPDATE: Lake levels expected to rise above 215 feet due to recent rains Published: December 28, 2024 Vicksburg, Miss – Recent storms dropped between three and five inches of rain in the area upstream of Arkabutla Lake. The lake level has risen above 210 ft. and is expected to peak above 215 ft. in the next few days. Pool levels at Arkabutla Dam, located in DeSoto and Tate Counties in Northwest Mississippi, can fluctuate quickly especially during the rainy season. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District (USACE-MVK) declared a potential breach emergency status at Arkabutla Lake in May of 2023 when a depression was discovered near the toe of the dam. The Corps has been maintaining the lake at approximately 204 ft. to reduce pressure on the dam and to complete interim repairs. The Corps will continue to draw down the increased pool levels with releases up to 4,500 cfs until the level reaches the 204 ft. target level. Safety remains a top priority, and the USACE-MVK has increased surveillance at the dam. Additional remote monitoring devices are in place and added personnel are on the ground to monitor the situation for any changes in the dam. The physical condition of the dam remains unchanged, and a dam breach is NOT imminent. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District is coordinating with the National Weather Service and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency to maximize public awareness in affected areas. Please visit this site to get regularly updated reservoir pool levels: https://www.mvk-wc.usace.army.mil/resrep.htm Interim Repairs near completion at Arkabutla Dam; Study underway for long-term solutions Published: September 4, 2024 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. Interim Repairs continue at Arkabutla Dam Published: June 24, 2024 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. Contractor Frontier Services, Inc., began construction and equipment mobilization in early May. Currently, drill pads are being installed for piezometers, automated instruments used for monitoring groundwater pressure. Relief wells, which act like valves to relieve the water pressure, allow excess water to be diverted safely, and serve to prevent sand boils, are scheduled to follow. The additional piezometers increase the USACE-MVK’s monitoring ability by sending data hourly to the technical team, allowing them to analyze conditions in real time. 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. 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.
Rainfall in Coldwater River Basin Expected to Raise Arkabutla Lake Levels Above 215’ Published: April 11, 2024 Vicksburg, Miss – Lake levels at Arkabutla Dam are expected to rise well above 215’ and remain high for close to three weeks as spring rains continue. A potential breach emergency WATCH status at Arkabutla Dam remains in effect and 24-hour monitoring of the dam will begin once levels hit the 215’ mark. This potential breach is associated with observed signs of distress discovered in May 2023. The physical condition of the dam is unchanged, and a dam breach is NOT imminent. To reduce pressure on the dam, the Vicksburg District will increase releases at the dam to approximately to 4500 cubic feet per second (cfs) to lower the pool to the targeted 204’. This increased release, along with ongoing precipitation will also increase downstream gages. The gage at Marks, Mississippi is predicted to rise to 39 feet which is considered minor flood stage. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District is coordinating with the National Weather Service, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, and local emergency management agencies to maximize public awareness in affected areas and to prepare for the possible flooding. A contract to install structural improvements to the dam has been awarded and construction is scheduled to begin in May 2024. Safety remains a top priority to the US Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District. Lake Staff and additional personnel are vigilantly monitoring the situation at Arkabutla Dam for any changes. Individuals should direct safety questions to their county emergency management agency. 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. UPDATE: Notice to Proceed issued on Interim Repairs at Arkabutla Dam Published: March 13, 2024 Vicksburg, Miss – Interim risk reduction measures continue at Arkabutla Dam, located in DeSoto and Tate Counties in Northwest Mississippi. On February 27, a contract was awarded to Frontier Services, Inc. for the installation of six relief wells with lateral discharges, installation of additional piezometers (groundwater monitoring devices), and automation of the monitoring system at the dam. The notice to proceed was issued on March 3, 2024 and on-site work is expected to begin in late April or early May once construction materials are procured. It is anticipated that work will be completed in the fall of 2024. The work is in response to the potential breach emergency status issued in May 2023 because of observed signs of distress at the dam. Currently, the target lake level is below 210’ and the district is proactively working to keep the level at approximately 204’ to provide leeway in the pool level during the wet season. Because lake levels fluctuate quickly, the potential breach emergency WATCH status at Arkabutla Dam will continue throughout the rainy season. Engineers and a design team are working on a permanent long-term fix for the dam that will likely take 7-9 years to complete. Camping and other recreational use of Arkabutla Lake area remain open, with the exception of day use and fee use areas directly downstream of the dam. All boat ramps remain closed; however, visitors can launch small boats from the gravel landing at the Coldwater River. Safety remains a top priority of the US Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District. Lake Staff and additional personnel are vigilantly monitoring the situation at Arkabutla Dam for any changes. Please visit this site to get regularly updated reservoir pool levels: https://www.mvk-wc.usace.army.mil/resrep.htm 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. Potential Breach Emergency Status increased to WATCH at Arkabutla Dam Published Jan. 28, 2024 Vicksburg, Miss – Earlier today, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) issued a potential dam breach WATCH for Arkabutla Dam located in DeSoto and Tate Counties in Northwest Mississippi. The physical condition of the dam is unchanged, and a dam breach is NOT imminent. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District has increased the potential breach emergency status at Arkabutla Dam from ALERT to WATCH because of increasing reservoir levels due to the recent weeklong precipitation and snow/ice melt in the Arkabutla Lake drainage basin. This potential breach is associated with observed signs of distress discovered in May 2023. Interim risk reduction measures are underway; however, are not yet complete. Emergency repairs are expected to be completed this summer. Operational releases associated with lowering the lake are not expected to induce downstream flooding. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District is coordinating with the National Weather Service and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency to maximize public awareness in affected areas. As always, safety remains a top priority to the US Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District. Crews are on the ground to monitor the situation at Arkabutla Dam for any changes. Current conditions at Arkabutla Dam include: • Reservoir Pool Elevation 213.6 feet elevation • Spillway Crest Elevation 238 feet elevation • Spillway Status Not Activated • Pool Restriction 204 feet elevation • Current releases 2,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) Individuals should direct questions to their county emergency management agency. 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.
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 Jan, 28, 2024 - Potential Breach Emergency Status increased to WATCH at Arkabutla Dam 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

Visit the Vicksburg District Reservoir Report with up to the minute information about the levels of Arkabutla Lake - Click here.
This map and more information on Arkabutla Dam can be found on the National Inventory of Dams website by clicking here.

Contact Info

For general information please call our Public Affairs Office 601-631-5000 and press 0

For reservation, camping and recreational questions please call 662-712-1163

For media requests contact
Christi Kilroy PAO Chief
601-631-5000 - VicksburgDistrict@usace.army.mil

EOC personnel will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 601-631-5367

Arkabutla Lake Location

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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District has released the Draft Environmental Assessment for the Arkabutla Dam Safety Modification Study Published: February 28, 2025 Arkabutla Dam Safety Modification Study Draft Environmental Assessment (7mb) Attachments to DEA Arkabutla Dam Safety Modification Study (12mb) (Click the links above to download the documents) Comments, ideas, and questions related to the EA can be emailed to Taylor Piefke at taylor.piefke@usace.army.mil or sent via U.S. Postal Service to: USACE Vicksburg District ATTN: Taylor Piefke, Regional Planning and Environment Division South (RPEDS) 4155 Clay Street Vicksburg, MS 39183 Arkabutla Dam Emergency - Lake Levels Expected to Surpass 220 Feet as Spring Flood Season Begins Published: February 14, 2025 Arkabutla, Miss. – Recent storms have brought significant rainfall to the Arkabutla Lake area, pushing lake levels above 210 feet and prompting expectations that they will exceed 220 feet within the next two weeks and is dependent on where and when the rain falls. Pool levels at Arkabutla Dam, located in DeSoto and Tate Counties in Northwest Mississippi, can fluctuate quickly especially during the rainy season. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District (USACE-Vicksburg District) declared a potential breach emergency status at Arkabutla Lake in May of 2023, when a depression was discovered near the toe of the dam. The Corps has been maintaining the lake at approximately 204 feet to reduce pressure on the dam and to complete repairs. The Corps will continue to draw down the increased pool levels with releases up to 4,500 cfs until the level reaches the 204 feet target level. Coldwater River levels below the dam in and around Marks, MS in Quitman County are expected to reach flood stages early next week. The area saw similar conditions on January 10, 2025, when levels crested at 39.6 ft. in Marks. The Corps is coordinating with the National Weather Service and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency to maximize public awareness in affected areas. Safety remains a top priority, and the USACE-Vicksburg District has increased to 24-hour surveillance at the dam over the next month. Additional remote monitoring devices are in place and added personnel are on the ground to assess the situation for any changes in the dam. The physical condition of the dam remains unchanged, and a dam breach is NOT imminent. With spring flood season underway and the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center’s seasonal outlook predicting higher-than-average rainfall, the lake and downstream communities are likely to experience more frequent and broader changes in pool and river levels during this time. Please visit this site to get regularly updated reservoir pool levels: https://www.mvk-wc.usace.army.mil/resrep.htm River levels, including the Coldwater River at Marks, MS can be monitored here: https://water.noaa.gov 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. UPDATE: Lake levels expected to rise above 215 feet due to recent rains Published: December 28, 2024 Vicksburg, Miss – Recent storms dropped between three and five inches of rain in the area upstream of Arkabutla Lake. The lake level has risen above 210 ft. and is expected to peak above 215 ft. in the next few days. Pool levels at Arkabutla Dam, located in DeSoto and Tate Counties in Northwest Mississippi, can fluctuate quickly especially during the rainy season. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District (USACE-MVK) declared a potential breach emergency status at Arkabutla Lake in May of 2023 when a depression was discovered near the toe of the dam. The Corps has been maintaining the lake at approximately 204 ft. to reduce pressure on the dam and to complete interim repairs. The Corps will continue to draw down the increased pool levels with releases up to 4,500 cfs until the level reaches the 204 ft. target level. Safety remains a top priority, and the USACE-MVK has increased surveillance at the dam. Additional remote monitoring devices are in place and added personnel are on the ground to monitor the situation for any changes in the dam. The physical condition of the dam remains unchanged, and a dam breach is NOT imminent. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District is coordinating with the National Weather Service and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency to maximize public awareness in affected areas. Please visit this site to get regularly updated reservoir pool levels: https://www.mvk-wc.usace.army.mil/resrep.htm Interim Repairs near completion at Arkabutla Dam; Study underway for long-term solutions Published: September 4, 2024 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. Interim Repairs continue at Arkabutla Dam Published: June 24, 2024 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. Contractor Frontier Services, Inc., began construction and equipment mobilization in early May. Currently, drill pads are being installed for piezometers, automated instruments used for monitoring groundwater pressure. Relief wells, which act like valves to relieve the water pressure, allow excess water to be diverted safely, and serve to prevent sand boils, are scheduled to follow. The additional piezometers increase the USACE-MVK’s monitoring ability by sending data hourly to the technical team, allowing them to analyze conditions in real time. 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. 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.
Rainfall in Coldwater River Basin Expected to Raise Arkabutla Lake Levels Above 215’ Published: April 11, 2024 Vicksburg, Miss – Lake levels at Arkabutla Dam are expected to rise well above 215’ and remain high for close to three weeks as spring rains continue. A potential breach emergency WATCH status at Arkabutla Dam remains in effect and 24-hour monitoring of the dam will begin once levels hit the 215’ mark. This potential breach is associated with observed signs of distress discovered in May 2023. The physical condition of the dam is unchanged, and a dam breach is NOT imminent. To reduce pressure on the dam, the Vicksburg District will increase releases at the dam to approximately to 4500 cubic feet per second (cfs) to lower the pool to the targeted 204’. This increased release, along with ongoing precipitation will also increase downstream gages. The gage at Marks, Mississippi is predicted to rise to 39 feet which is considered minor flood stage. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District is coordinating with the National Weather Service, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, and local emergency management agencies to maximize public awareness in affected areas and to prepare for the possible flooding. A contract to install structural improvements to the dam has been awarded and construction is scheduled to begin in May 2024. Safety remains a top priority to the US Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District. Lake Staff and additional personnel are vigilantly monitoring the situation at Arkabutla Dam for any changes. Individuals should direct safety questions to their county emergency management agency. 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. UPDATE: Notice to Proceed issued on Interim Repairs at Arkabutla Dam Published: March 13, 2024 Vicksburg, Miss – Interim risk reduction measures continue at Arkabutla Dam, located in DeSoto and Tate Counties in Northwest Mississippi. On February 27, a contract was awarded to Frontier Services, Inc. for the installation of six relief wells with lateral discharges, installation of additional piezometers (groundwater monitoring devices), and automation of the monitoring system at the dam. The notice to proceed was issued on March 3, 2024 and on-site work is expected to begin in late April or early May once construction materials are procured. It is anticipated that work will be completed in the fall of 2024. The work is in response to the potential breach emergency status issued in May 2023 because of observed signs of distress at the dam. Currently, the target lake level is below 210’ and the district is proactively working to keep the level at approximately 204’ to provide leeway in the pool level during the wet season. Because lake levels fluctuate quickly, the potential breach emergency WATCH status at Arkabutla Dam will continue throughout the rainy season. Engineers and a design team are working on a permanent long-term fix for the dam that will likely take 7-9 years to complete. Camping and other recreational use of Arkabutla Lake area remain open, with the exception of day use and fee use areas directly downstream of the dam. All boat ramps remain closed; however, visitors can launch small boats from the gravel landing at the Coldwater River. Safety remains a top priority of the US Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District. Lake Staff and additional personnel are vigilantly monitoring the situation at Arkabutla Dam for any changes. Please visit this site to get regularly updated reservoir pool levels: https://www.mvk-wc.usace.army.mil/resrep.htm 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. Potential Breach Emergency Status increased to WATCH at Arkabutla Dam Published Jan. 28, 2024 Vicksburg, Miss – Earlier today, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) issued a potential dam breach WATCH for Arkabutla Dam located in DeSoto and Tate Counties in Northwest Mississippi. The physical condition of the dam is unchanged, and a dam breach is NOT imminent. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District has increased the potential breach emergency status at Arkabutla Dam from ALERT to WATCH because of increasing reservoir levels due to the recent weeklong precipitation and snow/ice melt in the Arkabutla Lake drainage basin. This potential breach is associated with observed signs of distress discovered in May 2023. Interim risk reduction measures are underway; however, are not yet complete. Emergency repairs are expected to be completed this summer. Operational releases associated with lowering the lake are not expected to induce downstream flooding. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District is coordinating with the National Weather Service and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency to maximize public awareness in affected areas. As always, safety remains a top priority to the US Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District. Crews are on the ground to monitor the situation at Arkabutla Dam for any changes. Current conditions at Arkabutla Dam include: • Reservoir Pool Elevation 213.6 feet elevation • Spillway Crest Elevation 238 feet elevation • Spillway Status Not Activated • Pool Restriction 204 feet elevation • Current releases 2,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) Individuals should direct questions to their county emergency management agency. 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.
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 Jan, 28, 2024 - Potential Breach Emergency Status increased to WATCH at Arkabutla Dam 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

Visit the Vicksburg District Reservoir Report with up to the minute information about the levels of Arkabutla Lake - Click here.
This map and more information on Arkabutla Dam can be found on the National Inventory of Dams website by clicking here.

Arkabutla Lake Update

Interim Repairs near completion at Arkabutla Dam; Study underway for long-term solutions

Interim Repairs continue at Arkabutla Dam

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Arkabutla Lake Location