The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District, in collaboration and agreement with its local, state and federal partners, plans to operate the Muddy Bayou Control Structure in order to lower the elevation of Eagle Lake to 70 feet by the end of September.

The decision is based on standards established in the Eagle Lake Water Level Management Agreement, which permits the elevation of Eagle Lake to be lowered to a minimum of approximately 70 feet if deemed necessary.

Lowering the lake will aid in recovery and repairs following the historic 2019 Yazoo Backwater flood.

Beginning in January, conditions permitting, the district will operate the Muddy Bayou Control Structure to raise the lake’s elevation to 75 feet, which the agreement designates as a normal elevation for the winter.

Once the lake reaches 75 feet, district engineers will use rainfall to increase the lake’s elevation to 76.9 feet throughout winter and spring.

MDWFP fisheries biologists will monitor the impacts of the water level drawdown on the fish populations and aquatic plant communities. Lower lake levels will also allow MDWFP staff to inspect the boat ramp and courtesy piers and make any necessary repairs.

Eagle Lake remains closed to all boating activities until further notice.

Eagle Lake, along with the rest of the Yazoo Backwater area, experienced unprecedented, excessive rainfall and subsequent elevated water levels in early 2019.