February 21, 2020Lake Oroville Community UpdatePG&E Removes Trees Deemed Hazardous to Powerlines
Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) contractors will be working on DWR property near Lakeland Road to remove trees presenting a hazard to powerlines in the area. Work activities will continue near the Thermalito Diversion Pool through the end of February.
CAL FIRE – Butte County Begins Vegetation Management Project
CAL FIRE work to burn brush piles at the south end of Loafer Creek has been temporarily halted due to dry conditions. This work is part of their Vegetation Management Program which aims to reduce wildfire risk, improve public safety and enhance forest health around Lake Oroville. Approximately eight acres are targeted as part of DWR’s Fuel Load Management Plan (FLMP) to thin overstocked trees and vegetation that increase the intensity of wildfires. FLMP projects occur within the Oroville Facilities Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Project boundary and FLMP projects are developed in coordination with federal, state and local fire and resources management agencies. Once sufficient rainfall has occurred to allow safe burning, the CAL FIRE activities will take place on weekdays throughout the spring.
California Natural Resources Agency Hosts Third Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission Public Meeting
Thank you to everyone who participated in the second Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission meeting, which took place on Friday, February 21 in Oroville. A representative of the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers discussed USACE’s role in flood control, the water control manual for Oroville Dam, and the water control manual update process. A summary and transcript of the meeting will be uploaded to the Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission webpage in the coming weeks. For details about the Commission’s next meeting and for more information about the commission, visit: https://resources.ca.gov/oroville-dam-citizens-advisory-commission/ .
Current Lake Operations
The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 805 feet and storage is 2.25 million acre-feet. Daily average inflows to the lake have ranged between approximately 3,150 cfs (cubic feet per second) to 1,844 cfs over the past week.
Dry conditions are forecasted this weekend and into the week of February 24. Currently, in the Northern Sierra Basin, rainfall is below average, at 53 percent of normal, and snowpack is also below average, measuring 57 percent of normal for this time of year.
Releases to the Feather River were increased from 1,750 cfs to 2,250 cfs on Friday, 2/21, to meet to meet environmental requirements in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.  There is about 800 cfs flowing through the City of Oroville and 1450 cfs being released from the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet.   
 All data as of midnight 2/20/20
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The Lake Oroville Visitor Center is one of the most fascinating points of interest in Oroville. They hold several events throughout the year, have a museum, have access to trails, and do many more things.

To keep up to date on all the programs the Lake Oroville Visitor Center has to offer, Click Here. If you have any questions on local recreation, you can call the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce at (530) 538-2542 or email at [email protected].

February 18, 2020Lake Oroville Community UpdateFebruary 2017 was a challenging time for Oroville residents and the surrounding communities. Since then, DWR has made improvements to the Oroville infrastructure and worked hard to restore trust and increase communication. DWR and its contractors have fully reconstructed the main and emergency spillways to continue ensuring flood protection to downstream communities. DWR is thankful to all the impacted residents for their patience and partnership as together we move forward to achieve our shared goals of public safety, a reliable water supply for the state, environmental protections and recreation opportunities for residents and visitors.
CAL FIRE – Butte County Begins Vegetation Management Project
CAL FIRE continues work to burn brush piles at the south end of Loafer Creek. This work is part of their Vegetation Management Program which aims to reduce wildfire risk, improve public safety and enhance forest health around Lake Oroville. Approximately eight acres are targeted as part of DWR’s Fuel Load Management Plan (FLMP) to thin overstocked trees and vegetation that increase the intensity of wildfires. FLMP projects occur within the Oroville Facilities Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Project boundary and FLMP projects are developed in coordination with federal, state and local fire and resources management agencies. The pile burning will take place on weekdays throughout the spring.
California Natural Resources Agency to Host Third Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission Public Meeting in February
The California Natural Resources Agency is hosting its third Citizens Advisory Commission meeting on Friday, February 21. The meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will take place at the Southside Community Center located at 2959 Lower Wyandotte Road. Additional information, including agenda and other meeting materials, are now available on the Citizens Advisory Commission webpage. The public is invited to attend.
 

Current Lake Operations

The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 804 feet and storage is 2.24 million acre-feet. Daily average inflows to the lake have ranged between approximately 1,686 cfs (cubic feet per second) to 3,013 cfs over the past week. 
Dry conditions are forecasted this weekend and into the week of February 17. Currently, in the Northern Sierra Basin, rainfall is below average, at 56 percent of normal, and snowpack is also below average, measuring 62 percent of normal for this time of year.
Water is being released from Lake Oroville at a rate of about 1,800 to 2,000 cfs on a daily basis. Total releases to the Feather River are 1,750 cfs, with about 800 cfs flowing through the City of Oroville and 950 cfs being released from the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet to meet Feather River flow and environmental requirements in the Sacramento-San Juaquin Delta.
All data as of midnight 2/13/20
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The Brad Freeman/Dan Beebe Trail offers a 44.5 mile loop perfect for scenic hiking and biking. Over the weekend Chamber CEO/President, Eric Smith; Communications Coordinator, Amber Marron; and their families walked a small couple mile portion of the trail up to the old train tunnel.

We started off near the Feather River Bath House off of the roundabout on Montgomery Street. The weather was perfect as well as the view of the Feather River Fish Hatchery and the Diversion Pool. Hummingbirds were also in the air and could be seen in the trees along the pathway.

Our hike ended at the old train tunnel that was used to bring in supplies to build the Oroville Dam. Once through the train tunnel the path continues along the beautiful Feather River. You can see a full map of trails from the Department of Water Resources by Clicking Here.

If you have any questions about recreation in Oroville, you can contact the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce at (530) 538-2542 or at [email protected].

February 7, 2020Lake Oroville Community UpdateCAL FIRE – Butte County Begins Vegetation Management Project

CAL FIRE has started burning brush piles at the south end of Loafer Creek as part of their Vegetation Management Program to reduce wildfire risk, improve public safety and enhance forest health around Lake Oroville. Approximately eight acres were targeted as part of DWR’s Fuel Load Management Plan (FLMP) to thin overstocked trees and vegetation that increase the intensity of wildfires. FLMP projects occur within the Oroville Facilities Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Project boundary and FLMP projects are developed in coordination with federal, state and local fire and resources management agencies. The pile burning will take place on weekdays throughout the spring.
Oroville Recreation Advisory Committee Holds First 2020 Meeting

The Oroville Recreation Advisory Committee (ORAC) met on Friday, February 7, at the Southside Oroville Community Center on 2959 Lower Wyandotte Road in Oroville. ORAC was established by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to review and provide recommendations regarding DWR’s recreation plan for the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area. The 13-member committee is made up of representatives from state and local government, sports and recreation groups, and business and community organizations. The next meeting will be held May 1, 2020 and the public is invited to attend.
Dry Weather Helps Loafer Point Boat Ramp Project

The recent dry weather has allowed DWR’s contractor K.W. Emerson, Inc. to make rapid progress in constructing the new three-lane boat ramp at Loafer Point. The lower 300 feet of the 60-foot wide boat ramp is in place. Rising lake levels are not anticipated to impact the construction though the lowest 20 feet of the boat ramp is already underwater. The $5 million Loafer Point Boat Ramp Facility Stage One project includes construction of a 92-stall parking area with lighting, a new restroom facility, three new boat launch lanes to an elevation of 800 feet and one boarding float lane. The project is anticipated to be completed by August 2020. A project to construct a second stage parking lot and boat ramp, for launching at lower water levels, is also being planned. The Loafer Point day use area is currently closed to the public due to construction activities However, all other Loafer Creek Recreation areas remain open.
California Natural Resources Agency to Host Third Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission Public Meeting
The California Natural Resources Agency is hosting its third Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission public meeting on Friday, February 21, 2020 from 9:30 a.m. to Noon. This public meeting forum will include presentations and public comment at the Southside Oroville Community Center, 2959 Lower Wyandotte Road, Oroville, CA 95966, in the community center’s Multipurpose Room. At this meeting the Commission will be joined by a representative from the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers to discuss USACE’s role in flood control, the water control manual for Oroville Dam, and the water control manual update process. The meeting agenda and additional information about the Commission can be found here.
Current Lake Operations
The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 803 feet and storage is 2.30 million acre-feet. Daily average inflows to the lake have ranged between approximately 3,400 cfs (cubic feet per second) to 4,090 cfs over the past week.
Dry conditions are forecasted this weekend and into the week of February 10. Currently, in the Northern Sierra Basin, rainfall is below average, at 60 percent of normal, and snowpack is also below average, measuring 68 percent of normal for this time of year.
Water is being released from Lake Oroville at a rate of about 1,500 to 2,000 cfs on a daily basis. Total releases to the Feather River are 1,750 cfs, with about 800 cfs flowing through the City of Oroville and 950 cfs being released from the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet to meet Feather River flow and environmental requirements in the Sacramento-San Juaquin Delta.
All data as of midnight 2/6/20
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January 31, 2020Lake Oroville Community UpdateDWR Conducts Second Snow Survey of the Year

Each month beginning in January and ending in May, DWR, and partner agencies, conduct 260 manual snow surveys at a variety of locations in the Sierra mountains to measure the depth and snow water equivalent (SWE) of the snowpack. The SWE is the amount of water contained in the snowpack, which provides DWR with a more accurate forecast of spring runoff. The January 2 snow survey at Phillips Station found 33.5 inches of snow depth and a SWE of 11 inches (97 percent of average for that location), Thursday’s snow survey found 40.5 inches of snow depth and a SWE of 14.5 inches. The statewide average of all measured sites shows a SWE of 12 inches, which is 71 percent of normal for this time of year. With little or no rain in the extended forecast, California residents are urged to be water-wise and continue their water conservation habits.
Oroville Dam’s Office of Emergency Services Approved Emergency Action Plan
A recent audit by the CA State Auditor reported on how many dams have had their Emergency Action Plans approved. Oroville Dam’s Emergency Action Plan (EAP) was one of the first approved by CA Office of Emergency Services under new EAP requirements legislation passed in 2017. Oroville Field Division, responsible for the operation of Oroville Dam and its related facilities, works actively with local emergency response and assistance agencies, law enforcement partners and community organizations to prepare, plan and respond to a dam emergency, including providing ‘real-time’ training to area partners. Complying with requirements from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Oroville Dam consistently operates with an EAP. The latest revision provides a comprehensive plan for responding to a variety of emergency scenarios involving Oroville Dam and its related facilities.
Oroville Recreation Advisory Committee Holds First 2020 Meeting

The first meeting of 2020 for the Oroville Recreation Advisory Committee (ORAC) will begin at 10 a.m. Friday, February 7, at the Southside Oroville Community Center on 2959 Lower Wyandotte Road in Oroville. ORAC was established by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to review and provide recommendations regarding DWR’s recreation plan for the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area. The 13-member committee is made up of representatives from state and local government, sports and recreation groups, and business and community organizations. The public is invited to attend.
California Natural Resources Agency to Host Third Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission Public Meeting in February
The California Natural Resources Agency is hosting its third Citizens Advisory Commission meeting on Friday, February 21. The meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will take place at the Southside Community Center located at 2959 Lower Wyandotte Road. Additional information about the Commission can be found on the Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission webpage. The agenda and other meeting materials will be posted in the coming weeks. The public is invited to attend.
Current Lake Operations
The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 800 feet and storage is 2.2 million acre-feet. Daily average inflows to the lake have ranged between approximately 4,620 cfs (cubic feet per second) to 9,565 cfs over the past week.
Dry and warmer conditions are forecasted this weekend. Into the week of February 3, expect cooler and continued dry conditions. Currently, in the Northern Sierra Basin, rainfall is below average, at 64 percent of normal, and snowpack is also below average, measuring 76 percent of normal for this time of year.
Water is being released from Lake Oroville at a rate of about 1,900 cfs. Water from the reservoir is being used locally for rice stubble decomposition and to support waterfowl habitat and is also being used to meet Feather River flow and environmental requirements in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.  Releases to support waterfowl habitat are expected to cease in early February.  Total releases to the Feather River are 1,750 cfs, with about 800 cfs flowing through the City of Oroville and 950 cfs being released from the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet.
All data as of midnight 1/30/20
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