CARLYLE LAKE - As of 1:00 p.m. on Monday August 3, 2015, the pool elevation at Carlyle Lake was 450.44 feet, referenced to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD), with a release rate of approximately 4,250 cubic feet of water per second (cfs). The inflow for Sunday August 2, 2015 was approximately 1,480 day second feet (dsf). The lake crested at 454.39 feet NGVD on July 5, 2015. 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. The beaches at Dam West, Coles Creek, McNair, and Keyesport are open. Most campsites in the Dam West, Coles Creek and Boulder Campgrounds that were impacted due to high water conditions have been reopened. All campsites in the McNair, Dam East Spillway and Eldon Hazlet State Park Campgrounds remain open. Boulder, Coles Creek, Keyesport, Horseshoe Island, and Apache boat ramps and high water boat ramps at Dam West, and Dam East are currently available for launching.
Some areas still impacted by high water conditions include the Lakeview, Keyesport and Dam East fishing piers, and some township roads around the lake. Motorists should use caution when driving in low lying areas around the lake. In addition, some breakwaters may still be 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, August 7th:
8:00 p.m. West Bay Amphitheater, Dam West Campground – Amazing Pollinators
8:00 p.m. Cattail Cove Amphitheater, Coles Creek Campground – Summer Slumber
8:00 p.m. Brewster Creek Amphitheater, Boulder Campground – Upland Game
Saturday, August 8th:
2:30 p.m. Keyesport Beach and Coles Creek Beach – Water Safety Games
3:30 p.m. Dam West Beach and McNair Beach – Water Safety Games
8:00 p.m. West Bay Amphitheater, Dam West Campground – Summer Slumber
8:00 p.m. Cattail Cove Amphitheater, Coles Creek Campground – Upland Game
8:00 p.m. Brewster Creek Amphitheater, Boulder Campground – Amazing Pollinators
Sunday, August 9th:
10:00 a.m. Carlyle Lake Dam Tour – Starts at the East Spillway steps
2:30 p.m. Keyesport Beach and Coles Creek Beach – Water Safety Games
3:30 p.m. Dam West Beach and McNair 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