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

USACE Philadelphia District
Published June 2, 2023
A large reservoir of water is pictured in front of a concrete control tower and dam with scenic vista of a creek/river valley in back drop of image.

Francis E. Walter Dam, owned and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, operates as a system in conjunction with Beltzville Dam, located in Lehighton PA, to reduce flooding in the downstream communities along the Lehigh River.

The U.S. Army Corps Engineers’ Philadelphia District announced an update to the 2023 Francis E. Walter Dam recreation plan.

With long-term forecasts showing little significant rainfall, USACE anticipates the four scheduled whitewater releases in June will be reduced and evenly allocated based on available water storage. The projected weekend flow during the reduced whitewater events in June will be announced the Wednesday prior to each event.

The reservoir will not be lowered below elevation 1365 for recreational purposes and will be maintained at elevations 1365 and 1370 through June 30. As outlined in the 2023 Recreation Plan, May and June releases are dependent on hydrologic conditions being sufficient to supply enough water for the release and maintain a pool elevation above 1365. The five-foot pool limit is intended to help conserve cooler water for later in the season, and to help in-lake fish spawning.

It’s important to note that all recreational releases are subject to change based on the potential need for flood control operations. The full 2023 Recreation Plan is available at https://www.nap.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Francis-E-Walter-Dam/Flow-Management-Plan-Schedule/


Contact
Steve Rochette
stephen.rochette@usace.army.mil

Release no. 23-013