MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is continuing work on the Arkabutla Dam in DeSoto and Tate Counties in Mississippi after issuing a watch back in January for a potential dam breach.
The USACE said a contract was awarded at the end of February to Frontier Services, Inc., which will install six relief wells, additional groundwater monitoring devices called piezometers, and set up an automation system to monitor the dam.
Work is expected to begin in late April or early May once they get the materials needed for the work. They expect it to be completed by fall of 2024.
The engineers said this is all connected to ‘obvious signs of distress’ found in May 2023. Emergency crews conducted risk reduction measures, including operation releases to lower the lake.
The USACE said the lake level is currently below 210’, and they are working to keep that at about 204’ during the rainy season. The watch status will remain in effect through the west season.
The USACE said engineers are working on a permanent long-term fix for the dam which will likely take seven to nine years to complete.
Camping and recreational uses for Arkubutla Lake remain open, with the exception of day use and fee use areas directly downstream of the dam. All boat ramps are closed, but small boats can be launched from the landing at the Coldwater River.
For regularly updated reservoir pool levels, visit https://www.mvk-wc.usace.army.mil/resrep.htm.
