CARLYLE LAKE - As of 12:00 p.m. on Friday, June 28, 2019 the pool elevation at Carlyle Lake was 452.55 feet, referenced to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD). The current release rate is approximately 5,200 cubic feet per second (cfs). The inflow for Thursday, June 27, 2019 was approximately 13,080 day second feet (dsf). With current precipitation on the ground, Carlyle Lake is forecasted to crest at less than 453.0 feet NGVD on Saturday, June 29, 2019. Carlyle Lake Dam is operating as designed, helping reduce flood stages on the Lower Kaskaskia and Mississippi Rivers.
The Beach Blast, Dam Jam, and Fireworks Spectacular will still take place on Saturday, June 29. The day starts at 12:30 pm with the Dam Jam located at Dam West Day Use Shelter #2. The Beach blast which includes a sandcastle building contest, volleyball tournament (relocated to the grass), and water safety games starts at 2:00 pm. The day wraps up with fireworks shot off from Lakeview Access Area at dusk.
Dam West, Coles Creek, and Boulder Campgrounds are still open, but a number of campsites have been closed due to high water conditions. Anyone with reservations on sites that have been closed due to high water will be contacted by the National Recreation Reservation Service.
Boat ramps impacted by the high water conditions include: Dam West, Dam East, Coles Creek, Boulder, Allen Branch, Patoka, and Peppenhorst Branch. High water ramps at Dam West, Dam East, Coles Creek, Apache, Tamalco, Horseshoe Island, and Boulder are available for launching. Harbor Light Bay beach is closed.
Due to the elevated water level, some breakwaters and facilities will be overtopped. Boaters are reminded to use caution and watch for floating logs and other debris that may be present. Some township roads around the lake are inundated, motorists should use caution when driving in low lying areas around the lake.
The Corps of Engineers continues to work closely with their partners, the Carlyle Lake Association, Mid-Kaskaskia River Association and the Okaw River Basin Coalition to monitor the situation. For more information, contact the Carlyle Lake Project Office at (618) 594-2484 or email at carlylelake@usace.army.mil.