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

USACE Philadelphia District
Published Aug. 21, 2025
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.

PHILADELPHIA (August 21, 2025) – The U.S. Army Corps Engineers’ Philadelphia District updated the 2025 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 (10th and 11th increments of the plan):

• Add fishing release on September 20-21 (250 cubic feet per second plus inflow 350 cubic feet per second max).
• Increase August 30-31 whitewater total release to 1700 cubic feet per second on Saturday and 1000 cubic feet per second on Sunday.

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. 25-025