VICKSBURG, Miss. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Vicksburg District continues to monitor river levels near Thatcher Lock and Dam (L&D) while reinforcing the temporary damming structure.
UPDATE:
The fortification process of the temporary damming structure is
expected to begin Jan. 14. Once the dam is reinforced, the district will
remove the damaged hinged crest gate. The current estimated completion
date of the reinforcement is Jan. 30. The damaged, hinged crest gate will be removed afterwards.
On Nov. 26, 2021, a leak in the hinged crest gate required the district to allow pool elevation to drop to 72 feet.
The district worked with the City of Camden, Arkansas, and other partners
to determine that water around Thatcher Lock and Dam is safe for
consumption. No impact to the water supply is expected.
The Vicksburg District remains vigilant in communicating the repair process to partners and stakeholders. The district continues to regularly collaborate with the Ouachita River Valley Association (ORVA), City of Camden, Arkansas, and Union County Water Conservation Board, as well as the Arkansas Game and Fish and Arkansas Natural Resource Commission.
The public is encouraged to contact local authorities and management
officials for updates about conditions in their area and should be
cautious while boating upstream of the structure as underwater debris
(i.e. trees, pipes, stumps) could become exposed as the pool level falls
and become a boating hazard. In addition, you can find pool levels for
Thatcher Lock and Dam at https://go.usa.gov/xMJhU.
Completed and put in operation in 1984, Thatcher Lock and Dam creates a navigable
pool all the way to Camden Arkansas, a distance of 52 river miles.
Thatcher is the northern most lock & dam on the Ouachita River.