The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Vicksburg District’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activated May 9 at 10:30 a.m. after identifying potential breach conditions at Arkabutla Dam located in Tate and DeSoto counties.
The EOC will operate on extended hours as necessary to coordinate response to any impacts within the district’s area of responsibility. EOC personnel will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 601-631-5367.
The district will lower the pool to an elevation of at least 210 feet to reduce breach potential and initiate safe emergency repairs. Operational releases associated with lowering the lake are not expected to induce downstream flooding. Project personnel continue to monitor dam conditions 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Observed conditions at the dam’s outlet structure led to the declaration. The district will provide updates as they become available.
All recreation areas and road access immediately downstream will be closed until a determination has been made that activity can resume. The following areas are closed at this time:
Old Pratt Road
Scenic Route 301 along the base of Arkabutla Dam
South Outlet Channel Campground and Day Use Area, including Swinging Bridge Nature Trail and Boat Ramp
North Outlet Day Use Area, including playgrounds, pavilions, the fishing pier, and Coldwater River Nature Trail
According to DeSoto County officials, downstream flooding is not expected when the Corps of Engineers lowers Arkabutla Lake for emergency repairs. The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Watch Tuesday afternoon after the EOC activation.
The district will lower the pool to an elevation of at least 210 feet to initiate safe emergency repairs. Operational releases associated with lowering the lake are not expected to induce downstream flooding. Project personnel continue to continually monitor dam conditions.
The Board of Supervisors and DeSoto County Emergency Services are closely monitoring this situation, adding that in the event that any flooding occurs it would be isolated to the area directly around Arkabutla Dam and downstream. It should not impact any homes in DeSoto County.
