As of 1:00 p.m., Monday, June 20, the pool elevation of Carlyle Lake is 451.13 feet NGVD with a release rate of approximately 3,600 cubic feet per second (cfs). Yesterday’s inflow was 24,470 cfs. A series of gate changes will be made in the coming days to increase the releases to approximately 5,700 cfs. The river is considered bank full at 4,000 cfs. The lake is predicted to crest on Thursday, June 23 at 453.5 feet NGVD; however, with additional precipitation in the forecast, the crest prediction may increase. The target summer 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 will be closed due to water conditions. Campsites are also available at the McNair and Dam East Spillway Campgrounds. In addition, several private campgrounds around the lake remain open. Eldon Hazlet State Park is open and has several campsites available. The Horseshoe Island, Dam West, Dam East, Boulder, Coles Creek, Apache, General Dean and the City of Carlyle Boat Ramps are currently available for launching.
Other areas closed due to water conditions include several township roads around the lake. The Lakeview and Maple Grove Fishing Piers and McNair Beach will be closed. As the lake continues to rise, numerous other roads will become inundated. Motorists should use caution when driving in low lying areas around the lake.
Due to the water level, 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 the normal summer pool elevation of 445.0 feet NGVD is 24,583 acres. The current surface area of Carlyle Lake is approximately 35,147 acres.
The pool elevation at Lake Shelbyville, upstream of Carlyle Lake, is 607.56 feet NGVD, with a release of approximately 500 cfs. Lake Shelbyville’s pool is expected to crest around 608.0 by Thursday, June 23, without additional rainfall. The campgrounds at Lake Shelbyville remain open.
Carlyle Lake and Lake Shelbyville are working as designed to lessen flooding on downstream sections of the Kaskaskia and Mississippi Rivers. The Corps 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.
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