Corps of Engineers lifts potential breach emergency declaration
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Vicksburg District has determined that Arkabutla Dam is now stable at the current low lake elevation as of June 12 and has downgraded the WATCH condition at Arkabutla Dam in DeSoto and Tate counties to ALERT.
The current lake elevation is now approximately 199 feet, 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.
Bob Bakken provides content for DeSoto County News and its social media channels. He is an award-winning broadcaster, along with being a reporter and photographer, and has done sports media relations work with junior and minor league hockey teams. Along with his reports on this website, you will find this veteran media member providing sports updates and high school football play-by-play on Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.
