Carlyle Lake Increasing Downstream Releases

Published Jan. 5, 2016
CARLYLE LAKE - As of 12:00 p.m. on Monday January 4, 2016 the pool elevation at Carlyle Lake was 458.71 feet, referenced to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD), with a release of approximately 5,820 cubic feet per second (cfs). The inflow for Sunday January 3, 2016 was approximately 9,420 day second feet (dsf). With current precipitation on the ground, Carlyle Lake is currently cresting at 458.70 feet NGVD. With the high pool levels, downstream releases will be increased to 7,000 cfs today and to 10,000 cfs on Tuesday January 5, 2016.

Carlyle Lake Dam is operating as designed, helping reduce flood stages on the Lower Kaskaskia and Mississippi Rivers. Record precipitation and flows on downstream tributaries including Shoal Creek and Crooked Creek resulted in high water levels downstream of Carlyle Lake that have receded.

Due to the rising water level, breakwaters and facilities at Carlyle Lake have been overtopped and caution should be used when boating near these and other submerged structures. Boaters are also reminded to use caution and watch for floating logs and other debris that may be present. Some township roads around the lake have also become inundated, motorists should use caution when driving in low lying areas around the lake.

All boat ramps are closed except the high water ramps at Tamalco and Boulder will be available for launching. Eldon Hazlet State Park remains closed due to inundation of the entrance road.

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

Contact
Doug Wasmuth
618-594-2484
douglas.e.wasmuth@usace.army.mil

Release no. 16-014