Arkabutla Dam

COLDWATER RIVER· DeSoto, Mississippi· Built 1943· Earth· 65 ft tall
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Recreation Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Arkabutla Dam is classified as high hazard in Mississippi. It was completed in 1943 and is 83 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 65 ft (taller than 99.9% in MS)
Dam Length10,700 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.4M acre-ft
Normal Storage31.5K acre-ft
Surface Area5,100 acres
Drainage Area1,000 sq mi
Max Discharge111,000 cfs
Year Completed1943 (83 years old)
NID IDMS01496

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: January 19, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MS DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Ownership

USACE - Vicksburg District

Federal Government

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Arkabutla Dam?

Arkabutla Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Arkabutla Dam?

Arkabutla Dam is owned by USACE - Vicksburg District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Arkabutla Dam built?

Arkabutla Dam was completed in 1943, making it 83 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Arkabutla Dam?

Arkabutla Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Arkabutla Dam?

Arkabutla Dam has a dam height of 65 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Arkabutla Dam last inspected?

Arkabutla Dam was last inspected on January 19, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.