Arkabutla Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: J F Conger Pond Dam Ms05351 Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Arkabutla Dam, also known as Arkabutla Lake, is a key federal infrastructure located in DeSoto, Mississippi, designed by the US Army Corps of Engineers to primarily reduce flood risks along the Coldwater River.
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Summary
Completed in 1943, the earth dam stands at 92 feet high and 10,000 feet long, with a storage capacity of 1,383,800 acre-feet and a surface area of 5,100 acres. While the dam greatly reduces flood risks downstream, there is still a potential for flooding in extreme storm scenarios, where the emergency spillway may activate to prevent overtopping and subsequent failure. In the event of a breach, the impacts could be extensive, with potential damage to structures, infrastructure, and loss of life throughout the Mississippi Delta region.
To manage and mitigate these risks, the US Army Corps of Engineers employs various risk management measures, including real-time monitoring of seepage pressures, grout work to seal cracks, and regular inspections to ensure the dam's integrity is maintained. Additionally, close coordination with multiple agencies such as the National Weather Service and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency allows for effective emergency response planning and preparedness. During high-water events, increased surveillance and optimization of the dam's operations are implemented to ensure the safety and functionality of Arkabutla Dam.
Year Completed |
1943 |
Dam Length |
10000 |
Dam Height |
65 |
River Or Stream |
COLDWATER RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5100 |
Hydraulic Height |
84 |
Drainage Area |
1000 |
Nid Storage |
1383800 |
Structural Height |
92 |
Outlet Gates |
Roller - 3, Vertical Lift - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
92 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Arkabutla Dam
DeSoto County