Desoto County NewsMississippi News

Interim repairs continue at Arkabutla Dam

June 24 – 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.

Photo: Interim risk reduction measures work continue at Arkabutla Dam. (USACE photo)

Bob Bakken

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.