CARLYLE LAKE – Carlyle Lake has begun its winter drawdown in accordance with the Carlyle Lake Water Control Plan. According to the water control plan, during the winter months the Carlyle Lake pool elevation is to be drawn down to its winter pool of 443.0 ft. NGVD. The water control plan also includes a variance of plus or minus 14 days for the winter drawdown to begin. At winter pool elevation planned work at Carlyle Lake, which requires a lower pool elevation, can begin. The release rate will increase to up to approximatley 2,500 cfs, while still providing flood control downstream until crops have been harvested. The rate of release to accomplish the winter drawdown takes many factors into consideration including pool elevation, reservoir inflow, downstream tributaries, storm events, and downstream farm crop harvest. A steady, low release rate will also allow planned work at the Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam, Kaskaskia River Project to begin.