Army Corps shares 2023 plan for Francis E. Walter Dam recreational water releases

USACE Philadelphia District
Published Nov. 3, 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 shared the 2023 Recreation Plan for the Francis E. Walter Dam. The plan specifies dates and actions associated with whitewater and fishing releases from the dam from late March to early October of 2023. USACE coordinates the plan with the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

In 2023, the plan includes 24 whitewater releases and 22 fishing enhancement releases (unchanged from prior years). One significant change for the coming year – fishing releases previously schedule for March have been moved to the last three weekends in September based on feedback.

Dates for fishing releases and whitewater releases are noted below. Several dates are dependent on adequate water storage in the reservoir. It’s important to note that the need for flood control operations could result in the cancellation of any scheduled dates. 

Whitewater Releases Schedule (dates with * are dependent on adequate water storage):

  • May: 13, 20, 27, 28
  • June: 10, 11, 24, 25
  • July: 8, 9, 22, 23, 29, 30
  • August: 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26*, 27*
  • September: 2*, 3*

Fishing Enhancement Releases Schedule (dates with * are dependent on adequate water storage):

  • March: 25, 26
  • April: 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30
  • May: 6, 7, 14, 21
  • September: *9, *10, *16, *17, *23, *24

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

Release no. 22-025