Repairs to Arkabutla Lake continue a year after dam damage

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - On May 6 ^th of 2023, The Arkabutla Dam became a major story across North Mississippi. The U.S. Army Corp Of Engineers discovered damage to the dam. This resulted in a response by multiple teams from the Vicksburg District. They began to lower the water level t decrease the stress on the dam while also decreasing the potential of a dam failure. The lake water has been low now for the last fourteen months.

RELATED: Flash Flood Watch due to 'potential dam failure' at Arkabutla dam could last over a month

Interim repairs have been underway for the last few months. These repairs are to bring the safety of the dam up to acceptable levels so that the permanent fixes can be made. As of now, the interim repairs are 75% complete. These are expected to be completed within the next 60 days. Because the primary goal of the Corp of Engineers is life safety, the water level on Arkabutla Lake will remain low for the remained of the project. There will also be multiple road and trail closures around and below the dam. All recreational activities below the dam will also remain closed. Even with these closures the campgrounds will remain open. The process to asses the needs for final and permanent repairs has already begun. The study that is needed began in 2023 and is normally a 2 year process. The Dam Safety Project Manager for the Vicksburg District, Mason Jarabica told FOX 13: "This process is called a Dam Safety Modification Study. This study will outline what we call a “tentatively selected plan”, which is the permanent repair. This repair will be much more significant in scope than our interim repairs." The timeline for full repairs could be on the magnitude of 10 years. It is also important to note that this type of repair could take many years of design and many years of construction. The permanent repairs will reduce the risk to acceptable levels and also extend the life of the dam for many years to come. Click here to keep up with the latest on the repairs