More water releases set for Lehigh River
The Francis E. Walter Dam in Luzurne County feeds water into the Lehigh River. PHOTO COURTESY OF U.S. ARMY CORP OF ENGINEERS
Kayakers and rafters will have three more chances to float down the Lehigh River in late summer, thanks to additional whitewater releases from Francis E. Walter Dam.
The Army Corps of Engineers announced Thursday that they added three whitewater releases of 650 cubic feet per second, which will be held Aug. 25, 26, and Sept. 1.
In addition, the Corps added three fisheries enhancement releases of 100 cubic feet per second. The fisheries enhancement releases will take place July 21-27, July 28-Aug. 3, and Aug. 4-10.
The Army Corps will announce at a later date if it is able to hold additional whitewater and fisheries releases.
The Francis E. Walter Dam, constructed in 1961, has prevented more than $220 million in flood damages to the Lehigh River Valley. The dam was built for flood risk management, but recreation became a Congressionally-authorized purpose in 1988.
