CARLYLE LAKE - As of 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 22, 2013, the pool elevation at Carlyle Lake was 450.42 feet, referenced to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD), with a release of approximately 5,000 cubic feet of water per second (cfs). The inflow for Sunday, April 21, 2013 was approximately 24,610 day second feet (dsf). Without additional rainfall, Carlyle Lake will crest on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at approximately 451.0 feet NGVD. Downstream releases will be increased beginning Tuesday, April 23, 2013 to reach a release rate of 10,000 cfs by Thursday, April 25, 2013.
Although Carlyle Lake is experiencing elevated water conditions, recreational opportunities are still available. Only a minimal number of campsites in the Dam West and Boulder Campgrounds are impacted due to high water conditions. All campsites in the McNair and Dam East Spillway Campgrounds remain open. Boat ramps at Allen Branch and General Dean are closed. The Keyesport, Horseshoe Island, Tamalco, Patoka and Apache boat ramps and high water boat ramps at Dam West, Boulder, Coles Creek and Dam East are currently available for launching.
Other areas impacted by high water conditions include the Lakeview and Keyesport fishing piers and township roads around the lake. Motorists should use caution when driving in low lying areas around the lake.
Due to the water level, some breakwaters and facilities may have been overtopped by water 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.
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.