CARLYLE LAKE – As of 9:00 a.m., Sunday, May 5, 2013, the pool elevation of Carlyle Lake is 452.98 feet NGVD with a release rate of approximately 10,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). Yesterday’s inflow was 16,430 dsf. The lake is predicted to crest on Wednesday, May 8th at less than 454.0 feet NGVD, barring additional precipitation. The target pool elevation is 445.0 feet NGVD.
Although Carlyle Lake is experiencing elevated water conditions, recreational opportunities are still available. A minimal number of campsites in the Dam West, Coles Creek, and Boulder Campgrounds have been closed due to high water conditions. Campsites are also available at the McNair and Dam East Spillway Campgrounds. Several private campgrounds around the lake remain open. Eldon Hazlet State Park is open and has several campsites available. The Horseshoe Island and Keyesport boat ramps remain open. In addition, high water ramps at Dam West, Dam East, Boulder, Coles Creek, Apache and the City of Carlyle boat ramp are currently available for launching. Boat ramps at Allen Branch, Patoka, Tamalco, North Fork, Wood Duck and General Dean are closed.
Other areas closed due to high water conditions include several township roads around the lake, and the Lakeview and West Spillway fishing piers. Motorists should use caution when driving in low lying areas around the lake and avoid flooded roadways.
Due to the high water levels, many breakwaters and other facilities have been overtopped by water and caution should be used when boating near these and other submerged structures. Boaters should become familiar with the location of these structures before launching and must stay clear of all inundated recreation areas and beaches. Boaters should also watch for floating logs and other debris.
At pool levels above 450.0 feet NGVD, flowage easement lands surrounding the lake are used for flood storage. These lands are private property and are not open to public recreation. The surface area of Carlyle Lake at summer pool elevation of 445.0 feet NGVD is 24,583 acres. The current surface area of Carlyle Lake is approximately 40,000 acres.
The pool elevation at Lake Shelbyville, upstream of Carlyle Lake, is 607.57 feet NGVD, with a release rate of approximately 4,120 cfs. The campgrounds at Lake Shelbyville remain open.
The Corps of Engineers is closely working with their partners, the Carlyle Lake Association, Mid-Kaskaskia River Association and Okaw River Basin Coalition. For further information, contact the Carlyle Lake Project Office at 801 Lake Road, Carlyle, Illinois 62231, call (618) 594-2484 or email at carlylelake@usace.army.mil.