Army Corps shares update on Francis E. Walter Dam water release schedule

USACE Philadelphia District
Published July 12, 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 updated the 2023 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 event on August 26 (650 cubic feet per second) and increase fisheries augmentation releases to 100 cubic feet per second for the period of July 15-21.
  • Increment 2 – add a whitewater event for August 27 (650 cubic feet per second) and increase fisheries augmentation releases to 100 cubic feet per second for the period of July 22-28.
  • Increment 3 – add fishing augmentation releases on Sept. 9-10 (250 cubic feet per second plus inflow 350 cubic feet per second max)

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. 23-018