Carlyle Lake -- In response to current weather conditions and rising water levels, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Carlyle Lake will begin increasing water releases from the main dam on Friday, April 4, 2025. Releases will be limited to 5,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) to reduce downstream flooding along the Kaskaskia River and other nearby tributaries.
As of 5:30 am on Friday, April 4, 2025, the pool elevation of Carlyle Lake was 444.68 feet, as referenced to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD). Carlyle Lake is currently predicted to crest at an elevation of 451.5 feet on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, about 6.5 feet above normal summer pool with the amount of anticipated rainfall. Conditions may change based on the amount of actual rainfall across the Kaskaskia and Mississippi River watersheds over the next few days.
Recreation opportunities at Carlyle Lake will be impacted by the rising lake levels. For visitor safety, some recreation areas and a few low elevation campsites will be closed until flood waters recede. Also, some township roads around the lake will become inundated with water so motorists are urged to use caution when driving in low lying areas and near creeks. Please turn around, don’t drown.
Boat ramps will also be affected by elevated water levels. High-water ramps for launching boats are available at Dam West, Dam East, Coles Creek, Tamalco, Apache, and Boulder. As the water levels rise, some breakwaters and facilities may be submerged. Boaters should exercise caution when navigating near these or other underwater structures. Boaters are advised to wear life jackets and use engine cut-off devices properly for their safety, as floating logs and debris may be present.
For more information or updates on Carlyle Lake, please contact the Carlyle Lake Project Office at (618) 594-2484, follow our Facebook page @carlylelake, or email carlyle.lake@usace.army.mil.
Release no. 25-015