Francis E. Walter Dam - Saddle Dike Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

The Francis E.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Walter Dam - Saddle Dike, also known as Walter Dam, is a rockfill dam located in Luzerne, Pennsylvania, along the Lehigh River. Completed in 1961 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, its primary purpose is flood risk reduction. With a hydraulic height of 30 feet and a length of 1860 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 160,290 acre-feet and serves a drainage area of 288 square miles.

The dam is classified as having a high hazard potential, with a moderate risk assessment. The US Army Corps of Engineers actively manages dam-related flood risks by monitoring the dam's condition, prioritizing risk-reducing activities, and engaging with local emergency managers to ensure readiness for potential emergencies. Regular maintenance and repairs are conducted to ensure the dam's structural integrity and functionality.

Despite the risk management measures in place, dams do not eliminate all flooding risks. Severe weather events can result in dam releases or overwhelm the system, potentially leading to issues. The US Army Corps of Engineers continues to update the emergency action plan for the Francis E. Walter Dam, working towards enhancing public awareness and preparedness for dam-related emergencies in the future.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

1860

River Or Stream

LEHIGH RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

80

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

288

Nid Storage

160290

Structural Height

30

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

30
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.