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Successful Season on the Lehigh

Posted: 10/12/2011
By: Kevin Colburn

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Philadelphia District posted the following news release today: http://bit.ly/nNxK0P

PHILADELPHIA (Oct. 12, 2011): The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Philadelphia District  announced it will begin drawing down the pool of the Francis E. Walter Dam to its winter level starting Oct. 17.

The draw down follows the completion of the recreation season, which included all 24 planned whitewater release events and numerous fisheries enhancement releases. The winter pool level is an elevation of 1300.

The draw down follows the completion of the recreation season, which included
all 24 planned whitewater release events and numerous fisheries enhancement
releases. The winter pool level is an elevation of 1300. The release amounts
will be as follows:

*       Oct. 17 - 3500 cubic feet per second until close of business
*       Oct. 18 - 3000 cubic feet per second until close of business
*       Oct. 19 - 3000 cubic feet per second until close of business
*       Oct. 20 - 2500 cubic feet per second until close of business
*       Oct. 21 - 1500 cubic feet per second until close of business

The Corps will hold a public meeting to gather feedback on the 2011 recreation season. The date and time will be announced at a later date. For more updates on F.E. Walter Dam, visit the Corps web site or Facebook fan page:

http://www.nap.usace.army.mil
http://www.facebook.com/fewalterdam

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Thanks to the Corps of Engineers hosting a collaborative process over the past few years involving paddlers, anglers, and other river advocates, a new flow regime was developed that is proving highly successful.  American Whitewater, Lehigh Valley Canoe Club, and other interested paddlers were actively involved in these discussions. 

Interested paddlers are encouraged to attend the meeting this fall to discuss the release program.

Associated Projects

Lehigh River (PA)

AW has worked with local paddling clubs to improve the recreational value of dam releases on the Lehigh

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