Arkabutla Dam Project

The Arkabutla Dam Safety Modification Project is a multi-year effort. Here’s an overview of the key milestones and what to expect in terms of timeline:

• 2023 (Emergency & Study Launch): In spring 2023, a sinkhole and seepage issue were discovered at the dam, prompting an emergency response. USACE immediately began interim repairs (like grouting and planning for relief wells) and kicked off the Dam Safety Modification Study to analyze long-term solutions. This study phase involved experts investigating the problem and evaluating repair options throughout late 2023 and 2024.

• 2024 (Interim Repairs Underway): Early in 2024, USACE awarded a contract and installed six relief wells and additional monitoring equipment as a short-term fix to stabilize the dam’s foundation. 

• By fall 2024, the emergency drilling and foundation grouting work was largely completed significantly reducing immediate risk. Some grouting does remain as part of Phase II of the interim repairs. Meanwhile, the dam safety study continued, and a tentative long-term repair was identified (ultimately, the plan to replace the outlet works – the dam’s water release system). 

• Environmental assessments and design prep were initiated in late 2024.

• 2025 (Study Completion & Design Start): Transition from planning phase into design of the final repair, which could take 3 years to complete. 

• Starting in late summer 2025, engineers and survey crews have been onsite at Arkabutla collecting data to inform the design. The design phase will take a few years – this is when we create the detailed blueprints for the fix (replacement of the outlet works and any related dam modifications) and obtain the necessary permits, funding approvals, and contract solicitation.

• 2029-2030 (Construction Begins): If all goes according to plan, we aim to start major construction in 2030. Construction will involve building a new outlet works for the dam and possibly other supporting work like improving internal drains or buttressing parts of the embankment (as determined by the final design). We will keep the public updated as we get closer to this phase.

• 2030–2035 (Construction Ongoing): The new outlet construction and necessary dam upgrades will take around 7 years to complete. This timeline reflects the complexity of the project, as we’re undertaking a highly detailed and careful process—much like performing major surgery on the dam. The work will be done thoughtfully and in stages to ensure everything is completed to the highest standard. During this time, the lake will remain lower than normal. We will also maintain any necessary closures for public safety throughout construction. It’s possible some recreation areas could reopen before 2035 if portions of the project finish early, but a full return to normal will coincide with project completion.

• By 2035 (Project Completion & Lake Refill): The current schedule estimates construction completed by 2035, assuming no significant delays. At that point, all new dam components should be in place and thoroughly tested. We will then slowly refill Arkabutla Lake in stages to test the new embankment and outlet works. Once the pool is raised to normal levels the lake will resume normal operation. All recreation areas would be reopened, and the dam will officially be back to normal service with improved safety and reliability. 

Please note: These timeline points are estimates. Large infrastructure projects can be affected by funding cycles, weather, and other unforeseen factors. USACE is doing everything possible to expedite the work without compromising quality or safety. We will keep the community informed of any major changes to the schedule. 

Arkabutla Dam’s original construction (1940–1943) took about three years, but that doesn’t account for the several years of design that took place before construction. Repairing and modifying an existing dam to modern safety standards is a very different task than building it from scratch. USACE must carefully study, design, and implement a fix while the dam continues to operate and protect the public. This involves detailed engineering analyses, compliance with environmental and safety standards, and securing federal funding at each stage. 

The permanent solution for Arkabutla requires replacing major parts of the dam (the outlet works), essentially rebuilding critical infrastructure that is now 80+ years old. Making effective, long-lasting repairs is a top priority, and it will take considerable time and resources to do it right.

The current plan estimates 3 years of design and 7 years to advertise, award, and construct once work on the permanent repairs begin. For a project of this scale, this longer timeline reflects the time needed to design the fix, get it reviewed and approved, obtain construction funding, and carry out the construction in phases to minimize downstream risk during construction. The estimated timeline is in alignment with other USACE mega-projects that contain replacing the outlet works, including Addicks and Barker Dam, Rough River Dam, Isabela Dam, and Garrison Dam.

The lake is being kept low for safety reasons. In May 2023, when problems under the dam were discovered, USACE immediately lowered Arkabutla Lake’s water level to reduce pressure on the dam. Keeping the reservoir lower than normal greatly lessens the stress on the dam’s weakened area and reduces the risk of a breach. This drawdown is an ongoing safety measure approved by our headquarters as a “major deviation” from normal operations. In simple terms, we cannot safely hold a full lake until the dam is fixed.
We know it’s frustrating to see the lake low. However, the lake levels will remain low until we’re confident the dam can safely handle more water. The current deviation authorizing the drawdown runs through 2028 and will be extended if needed. Until the permanent repairs are in place (which could take close to a decade), Arkabutla Lake will be lower than usual to protect everyone downstream. Raising it too soon would put the dam and downstream communities at unacceptable risk. We will restore the lake to normal levels as soon as it is safe to do so – likely once construction is complete and the dam’s integrity is fully restored.

USACE has changed the operation of the lake to keep pools as low as possible. During intense rain events, the inflow into the lake will be higher than the amount of flow exiting the dam through the outlet works. This scenario creates rising lake stages. While there are concerns about the safety of the dam, USACE has implemented several risk reduction measures including closing off the damaged drainage system and replacing it with a modern relief well system. USACE also increases the surveillance onsite during high lake stages to ensure that if problems do occur, they are identified quickly. 
We meet regularly with downstream emergency managers, stakeholders, and the National Weather Service to practice emergency scenarios which reduces reaction time if a breach were to occur. These engagements are increased during high lake stages.

For public safety, several recreation areas directly downstream of the dam are closed due to the dam safety issue and ongoing work. These include:

• Roads/Access: Old Pratt Road and Toe Ditch Road (below the dam) are closed.

• Day Use Areas: The North Outlet and South Outlet day-use areas (including the playgrounds, picnic pavilions, and restrooms) are closed, however, the basketball court, picnic sites, and restroom north of Pratt Road are open and available for public use. 

• Recreation Sites: The popular disc golf course below the dam has been relocated to Bayou Point. The fishing pier on the Coldwater River tailrace and the nature trails immediately below the dam (e.g. Coldwater River Nature Trail and Swinging Bridge Trail) remain closed.

• Camping and Boat Ramps: The South Outlet picnic area (below the dam) is closed, and all boat ramps on the lake are currently closed because of low water levels, except HWY 51 boat ramp which is open.

When will these reopen? 

These areas will remain closed until the dam is secure and the lake returns to normal levels. We cannot give a firm date yet – it depends on the progress of the repair project. Our priority is to keep people out of harm’s way. The closed sites are all in low-lying areas that would be in the path of floodwaters if an emergency occurred, so they must stay off-limits for now. We will reopen each area as soon as it is safe to do so. We understand this impacts many of our visitors, and we truly appreciate your patience.

On a positive note, most of the lake’s recreation areas remain open. All the major campgrounds and parks away from the dam are open for camping, hiking, fishing, and there are lots of areas available for hunting. We encourage you to visit and use the open areas, and please respect the closure signs in the restricted zones until those sites are officially reopened.

Here is a list of things that are open:

Dub Patton - Day Use Area with a playground, two pavilions, and lots of individual picnic sites. Campground has 20 class A campsites open for reservation. Also across the road are the basketball court and some additional individual picnic sites.

South Abutment - Day Use Area with a playground, two pavilions, and lots of individual picnic sites. 79 class A campsites open for reservation.

Bayou Point - Day Use Area with an interpretive pollinator garden, a 5+ mile mountain bike trail, one open pavilion, a 9-hole disc golf course, and a playground.

Sunfish Bay - 4.5 mile equestrian trail.

Kelly’s Crossing - 5 primitive camping sites, several individual picnic sites.

Coldwater Point - Water access allowed when water levels are up.

Hwy. 51 Landing - Only boat ramp with regular water access (into the Coldwater River). Also has the Area 51 Mountain Bike Trails with approximately 14 miles of hiking/biking trail and 3 individual picnic sites.

Hernando Point - Day Use Area with a playground, one reservable pavilion, and lots of individual picnic sites. There is a small fishing pond with a fishing pier situated between the day use area and campground. Campground has 77 reservable Class A campsites.

Pleasant Hill - Several day use picnic sites.

Since the 2023 incident, USACE has implemented numerous interim safety measures at Arkabutla Dam to protect the public while long-term repairs are being planned. Here’s what we’ve done so far:

• Engaged with industry and USACE experts to evaluate and inform the scope of repairs.

• Lowered the Lake Level: We dropped Arkabutla Lake well below normal elevation and are keeping it low to reduce pressure on the dam until construction is complete. This way, there’s less water force against any vulnerable areas.

• Frequent Water Releases: To maintain that lower lake level, we are releasing water more frequently (when rainfall raises the lake) in a controlled manner. This helps prevent the lake from rising too high after storms.

• Enhanced Dam Monitoring: We upgraded the dam’s instrumentation and monitoring systems to closely track dam conditions in real time. This includes adding more sensors (piezometers to measure pressures, etc.) and automating alerts so engineers can respond quickly if something changes.

• Installed Relief Wells: USACE drilled deep relief wells near the dam’s outlet channel to relieve subsurface water pressure and prevent underseepage issues. These wells collect and safely redirect water that could otherwise seep under the dam. (In essence, they replaced an old drainage system that was leaking foundation material.)

• Grouted Voids: Where underground cavities were detected beneath the dam, we are injecting grout (a cement-like material) to fill voids and stabilize the foundation. This helps support the dam and stop any internal erosion.

• Restricted Access: We have closed and fenced off the areas immediately downstream of the dam. Keeping people out of the potential flood zone is a critical safety step in case conditions were to worsen unexpectedly.

All these measures significantly reduce the risk of a dam failure in the short term. These interim risk reduction measures will stay in place until the permanent repair is done. Public safety is our number one priority, and we are taking every prudent step to protect the community while we work on the long-term solution.

We know Arkabutla Lake is beloved for recreation, and we are committed to taking care of those amenities throughout this process. While the dam safety project is the main focus, USACE has been maintaining and even improving the recreational facilities where possible:

• Open Areas Maintenance: Our rangers and staff continue to maintain open campgrounds, day- use parks, and trails so they remain clean, safe, and welcoming for visitors. Routine improvements like facility repairs, trail upkeep, and amenity upgrades are ongoing, even as the lake is low. We want your camping and hiking experiences around the lake to remain positive during the dam repairs.

• Closed Areas Rehabilitation: We are planning to use the closure of certain areas as an opportunity to restore and improve them. While these sites remain closed, we aim to carry out repairs and upgrades, where possible, so they will be in great condition when they reopen.

• Boat Ramp Access: With the lake drawn down, the regular boat ramps became unusable. In response, we opened a temporary gravel launch area along the Coldwater River off Hwy 51 for small boats. This gives boaters and anglers an option to get on the water despite the low lake level. It’s not a perfect solution, but it’s one way we’ve tried to preserve recreation access under the circumstances. We also encourage bank fishing and kayaking/canoeing where feasible. 

Additionally, as part of the dam safety project’s environmental considerations, any construction impacts on park areas will be mitigated. This means if we tear up a road or remove trees in a recreation site for the construction, we will repair, replant, or even improve that area afterwards.

We’re sorry, but not yet. The outlet works area below the dam must remain closed for public safety at this time. This area is in the immediate downstream area of the dam – essentially ground zero if something were to go wrong. Until the dam’s issues are fully resolved, it’s not safe to reopen this area to the public. While the risk of a sudden release or flood is low, it’s still too great to take any chances right now.
We will reopen the outlet works and other closed sites as soon as it is safe to do so, which will likely be after the major construction on the dam is complete and the lake is back to normal levels. It could be several years. We understand how disappointing that is for our regular visitors. In the meantime, we suggest taking advantage of all the other open recreation areas around the lake. 
Your safety is our responsibility – thank you for understanding. When these areas do reopen, we’ll welcome everyone back with a big announcement and those sites will be ready for you to enjoy again.

It is true that private hydropower operating licenses exist for all four Mississippi Lakes owned and operated by USACE, but there has been no indication that a permit to modify Arkabutla is being pursued. The ongoing work is solely focused on dam safety: fixing the foundation issues and ensuring the dam continues to operate safely.

We want you to stay informed and feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. Below is a list of contacts and resources:

• Arkabutla Lake Field Office – For general lake information, recreation updates, or local concerns, you can contact the Arkabutla Lake Field Office. Phone: 662-562-6261; Alternate 662-292-1992 (weekdays 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.), or visit us in person at 5500 Arkabutla Dam Road, Hernando, MS. The Visitor Information Center has brochures, maps, and staff available to answer questions.

• USACE Vicksburg District Office – For information on the dam safety project or to speak with the public affairs team, you can call the Vicksburg District headquarters at 601-631-5000 (press 0). You can also email us at VicksburgDistrict@usace.army.mil. We’ll do our best to answer your questions.

• Project Webpage – We maintain a webpage with up-to-date information on the Arkabutla Dam emergency and modification project. Here you can find news releases, reports, and FAQs. Website: USACE Vicksburg – Arkabutla Dam Emergency Repairs; link: https://www.mvk.usace.army.mil/Missions/Programs-and-Project-Management/Project-Management/Projects/Arkabutla-Project-Page/  

(You can also find Arkabutla Dam on the National Inventory of Dams https://nid.sec.usace.army.mil/ website for technical dam data.) This page will be updated as the project progresses.

• Social Media – For quick updates and community notices, follow us on social media. Facebook: @VicksburgUSACE (Facebook.com/vicksburgusace), Instagram @vicksburgusace and Twitter/X: @VicksburgUSACE. We often post lake status updates, photos, and announcements there. These platforms are a good way to stay engaged. 

• Emergency Alerts – In the unlikely event of a serious problem or emergency at the dam, USACE will coordinate with local emergency management agencies (like DeSoto and Tate County authorities) to notify the public. Always follow instructions from local officials. Ensure you are signed up for county emergency alerts if available. We have an Emergency Action Plan in place and conduct regular drills with local authorities so that any evacuation or warning would happen quickly and smoothly.

• If you have an emergency: If you believe there is an imminent threat (for example, you observe something that looks like a possible dam failure or sudden flooding), call 911 immediately. Local first responders and our team will respond. You can also report urgent dam safety concerns directly to the USACE Emergency Operations Center at 601-631-5367 – this is our 24/7 line for emergencies. As we say, “If you see something, say something.” Don’t hesitate to call if you notice unexpected conditions at the dam or downstream.

 Understanding the Terminology: We know some of the terms in our discussions can be technical. Two key terms you might hear are:

• Outlet Works – This refers to the structures that release water from the dam. At Arkabutla, the outlet works include the intake tower with gates, the concrete tunnel (conduit) through the dam, and the outlet channel where water exits. Essentially, it’s the dam’s drain system. The project’s main fix is to replace the outlet works with a new, modern structure.

• Inundation Maps – These are flood maps showing areas that would be affected in a worst-case scenario dam breach. Inundation maps illustrate how far floodwaters might spread and how quickly they’d travel downstream if the dam were to fail. They do not predict that a failure will happen; they simply help planners and the public visualize potential flooding for emergency preparedness. You can view Arkabutla’s inundation maps on the National Inventory of Dams website or via links on our project page. They’re a great resource to understand what “downstream of the dam” really means in terms of risk.

Staying Safe and Informed: The Vicksburg District will continue to provide updates as work progresses. We truly value our community’s support and engagement. Arkabutla Lake is a special place for all of us, and your safety is at the heart of every decision we make regarding the dam and lake operations. We hope this FAQ has answered your questions and cleared up misconceptions. If you have other questions or need clarification, please reach out to us via the contacts above.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. By working together as a community, we will ensure Arkabutla Dam remains safe and that Arkabutla Lake’s wonderful recreation opportunities will be enjoyed for generations to come. See you at the lake!