Army Corps updates water release schedule for Francis E. Walter Dam

USACE Philadelphia District
Published July 14, 2022
The Francis E. Walter Dam has prevented more than $220 million in flood damages since its construction. It also supports recreation along the Lehigh River with planned fishing and whitewater rafting water releases.

The Francis E. Walter Dam has prevented more than $220 million in flood damages since its construction. It also supports recreation along the Lehigh River with planned fishing and whitewater rafting water releases.

The U.S. Army Corps Engineers’ Philadelphia District updated the 2022 Francis E. Walter Dam recreation plan.

The Army Corps updated the plan, which states whitewater and fisheries releases will be scheduled if enough water storage is accumulated in the reservoir. Currently, there is enough water storage to schedule the following increments:

  • Increment 1 – Add a whitewater release on Aug. 27 (650 cubic feet per second plus inflow up to 850 cubic feet per second) and increase fisheries enhancement releases (100 cubic feet per second plus inflow up to 300 cubic feet per second) for the period of July 16-22.
  • Increment 2 – Add whitewater release on Aug. 28 (650 cubic feet per second plus inflow up to 850 cubic feet per second) and increase fisheries enhancement releases (100 cubic feet per second plus inflow up to 300 cubic feet per second) for the period of July 23-29.

It’s important to note that all recreational releases are subject to change based on the potential need for flood control operations.


Contact
Steve Rochette
Stephen.Rochette@usace.army.mil

Release no. 22-014