Francis E. Walter Dam
Key Takeaway
Francis E. Walter Dam is classified as high hazard in Pennsylvania. It was completed in 1961 and is 65 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Length | 3,000 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 160.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 80 acres |
| Drainage Area | 288 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 128,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1961 (65 years old) |
| NID ID | PA00008 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
USACE - Philadelphia District
Federal Government
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Low Hazard 8 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Francis E. Walter Dam?
Francis E. Walter Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Francis E. Walter Dam?
Francis E. Walter Dam is owned by USACE - Philadelphia District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Francis E. Walter Dam built?
Francis E. Walter Dam was completed in 1961, making it 65 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Francis E. Walter Dam?
Francis E. Walter Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
When was Francis E. Walter Dam last inspected?
Francis E. Walter Dam was last inspected on September 12, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.