CARLYLE LAKE - As of 1:00 p.m. on Monday June 29, 2015, the pool elevation at Carlyle Lake was 454.30 feet, referenced to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD), with a release rate of approximately 5,000 cubic feet of water per second (cfs). The inflow for Sunday June 28, 2015 was approximately 5,390 day second feet (dsf). Without additional rainfall, the lake is currently cresting at 454.30 feet NGVD. The targeted summer pool is 445.0 feet NGVD. Carlyle Lake is currently working as designed to lessen flooding on downstream sections of the Kaskaskia and Mississippi Rivers.
Although Carlyle Lake is experiencing elevated water conditions, recreational opportunities are still available. Some campsites in the Dam West, Coles Creek and Boulder Campgrounds are impacted due to high water conditions. All campsites in the McNair, Dam East Spillway and Eldon Hazlet State Park Campgrounds remain open. Keyesport, Horseshoe Island, and Apache boat ramps and high water boat ramps at Dam West, Boulder, and Dam East are currently available for launching.
Other areas impacted by high water conditions include the Lakeview, Keyesport and Dam East fishing piers, Keyesport and Coles Creek beaches, 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 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers offers educational programs in the campgrounds and at the beaches every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout the recreation season. Presentations are free and open to the public.
Friday, July 3rd:
7:00 p.m. West Bay Amphitheater, Dam West Campground – Campground Olympics
8:00 p.m. Cattail Cove Amphitheater, Coles Creek Campground – Are You Smarter than a Park Ranger?
8:00 p.m. Brewster Creek Amphitheater, Boulder Campground – Home Tweet Home
Saturday, July 4th:
2:30 p.m. Keyesport Beach – Water Safety Games
3:30 p.m. Dam West Beach – Water Safety Games
7:00 p.m. West Bay Amphitheater, Dam West Campground – Are You Smarter than a Park Ranger?
8:00 p.m. Cattail Cove Amphitheater, Coles Creek Campground – Home Tweet Home
8:00 p.m. Brewster Creek Amphitheater, Boulder Campground – Campground Olympics
Sunday, July 5th:
10:00 a.m. Carlyle Lake Dam Tour – Starts at the East Spillway steps
2:30 p.m. Keyesport – Water Safety Games
3:30 p.m. Dam West Beach – Water Safety Games
The Carlyle Lake Visitor Center is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Visitor Center has exhibits, a gift shop, and brochures to help plan your stay at Carlyle Lake.
For more information, contact the Carlyle Lake Project Office at (618) 594 -2484 or email at carlylelake@usace.army.mil.
Release no. 15-038