The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District, in collaboration and agreement with its local, state and federal partners, announced plans to operate the Muddy Bayou Control Structure to lower the elevation of Eagle Lake to near 73 feet by early to mid-October.

District engineers anticipate Eagle Lake’s elevation to reach 73 feet by early to mid-October depending on rainfall.

In early December, representatives will reconvene to examine hydrologic conditions in the basin and gather feedback from the public on the status of repairs to decide whether to raise the lake back to its winter pool of 75 feet.

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 73 feet if deemed necessary. Lowering the lake will aid in recovery and repairs following the historic 2019 and 2020 Yazoo Backwater floods. 

The agreement was signed in 2000 by representatives of the USACE Vicksburg District, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, the Warren County Board of Supervisors and the Madison Parish Police Jury. 

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.