Lake levels at Arkabutla Dam dropped below 204’ to 203.77 at the end of February which greatly decreases the potential of a breach situation.
The water level at Arkabutla Dam, located in DeSoto and Tate Counties in Northwest Mississippi, can fluctuate quickly especially during the rainy season. The target lake level is below 210’ and the district is proactively working to keep the level at approximately 204’ which provides leeway in the pool level during the wet season.
The potential breach emergency status is associated with observed signs of distress at the dam discovered in May 2023. Interim risk reduction measures are underway but are not yet complete.
Emergency repairs are expected to be completed this summer and engineers and a design team are working on a permanent long-term fix for the dam that will likely take seven to nine years to complete.
