June 27, 2019
Oroville Operations Update
​DWR Reopening Public Access to Top of Oroville Dam
DWR will reopen public access to the top of the dam, Oroville Dam Crest Road (a.k.a. Oro Dam Blvd.) on Saturday, June 29 for pedestrians, bicyclists and persons with disabilities. 
The public will have access to the pedestrian lane on the lakeside of Dam Crest Road from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week, as well as parking at the Upper Overlook. For safety considerations, the public will not be able to drive across the top of the dam.
For more information, visit: https://water.ca.gov/News/News-Releases/2019/June/Oroville-Dam-Crest-Road-Reopening-to-Public
Portions of Lake Oroville State Recreation Area Closed for Filming Tomorrow
DWR and California State Parks are closing a portion of the middle fork of Lake Oroville and the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area tomorrow, June 28, due to commercial filming of low-level aerial flying operations.
The closed area extends from Bidwell Bar Bridge to Feather Falls. Other than the occasional noise from aerial operations, there will be no impacts to Lake Oroville’s boat launching or camping facilities. DWR and California State Parks apologize for any inconvenience to visitors. 
Lake Levels
Water releases from Hyatt Powerplant are approximately 4,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). The current elevation of Oroville reservoir is 895 feet. If DWR determines that it is necessary to use the main spillway, in addition to Hyatt Powerplant, DWR will notify the public and media.
Fourth of July Celebration in Oroville
Several local partners including DWR, the Rotary Club of Oroville, California State Parks and more are hosting a fireworks show at the Thermalito North Forebay recreation area, as well as at the nearby Feather River Recreation and Park District's Nelson Sports Complex, on July 4. Activities will start at the Sports Complex at 4 p.m. and continue through 8 p.m. The fireworks display will start 30 minutes after sunset. Follow the event’s Facebook page at Lake Oroville Fireworks for the latest information.
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Almost every Saturday of the month the Lake Oroville Visitor's Center hosts a guided Saturday Morning Nature Walk that is easy enough for all ages. This week on June 29 the hike will take you to Kelly Ridge Point.

The group meets at the Lake Oroville Visitor Center and leaves for the walk promptly at 8:00 am. The hikes average four miles and the guides recommend you bring water, a snack, and dress for the weather. For this walk the "gradual slope down to the water's edge North of the Visitor Center offering views of the dam, up the North Fork, and beyond the suspension bridge. Then a loop back for fresh discoveries."

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

June 21, 2019
Oroville Operations Update
​Lake Levels
Water releases from Hyatt Powerplant are approximately 4,009 cubic feet per second (cfs). The current elevation of Oroville reservoir is 895 feet. The Feather River watershed snowpack has mostly melted and use of the main spillway to manage lake levels is unlikely. However, if DWR determines that it is necessary to use the main spillway, in addition to Hyatt Powerplant, DWR will notify the public and media. 
A full reservoir is a welcome sight after years of drought and low lake levels to accommodate reconstruction. A filled lake provides optimal recreation opportunities and serves as a vital water bank account to help California cope with future drought conditions. It is common for the reservoir to stay relatively full during the summer months in an above average water year. In 2010 – 2011, another very wet year, the reservoir sat an elevation between 898 and 899 feet for the entire month of July.
DWR Reopening Public Access to Top of Oroville Dam
DWR plans to reopen public access to the top of the dam (Dam Crest Road) next Saturday, June 29 for pedestrians, bicyclists and persons with disabilities. The public will have access to the pedestrian lane on the lakeside of Dam Crest Road from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., as well as parking at the Upper Overlook. For safety considerations, the public will not be able to drive across the top of the dam.
As part of the reopening, DWR staff will be up on the Dam Crest Road in the morning of the 29thto provide informational materials, answer questions and meet with the public.
DWR, California Highway Patrol and California State Parks are operating Dam Crest Road with new security measures to further ensure public safety at the facilities. Construction activity is ongoing in the area and construction vehicles will be using a portion of Dam Crest Road. Expect slower traffic and please obey all road and traffic signs. DWR has also contracted with the Butte County Sheriff’s Office for increased patrols of the Oroville facilities to ensure public safety. 
Spillway Boat Launch Ramp Reopening
Access to the Spillway Boat Launch ramp is anticipated to partially reopen in early August. More details to follow.
4th of July Celebration in Oroville
Oroville is always a great place to celebrate Fourth of July.  Several local partners including DWR, the Rotary Club of Oroville and California State Parks are hosting a firework show at the Thermalito North Forebay recreation area, as well as at the nearby Feather River Recreation and Park District's Nelson Sports Complex on July 4. Activities will start at the Sports Complex at 4 p.m. and continue through 8 p.m. The fireworks display will start 30 minutes after sunset. Follow the event’s Facebook page at Lake Oroville Fireworks for the latest information.
Update on Lake Oroville Algae Bloom
Algae is a natural component of water ecosystems yet certain conditions, including hot weather, can cause algae to grow rapidly causing “blooms” that may harbor harmful toxins.  DWR environmental scientists regularly test for toxins throughout the summer. The “Caution Advisory” for a ‘bloom’ in the Thermalito Afterbay has been lifted as microcystin levels have decreased. A "Caution Advisory" remains in effect for algae found in the upper reaches of Lake Oroville’s Middle Fork. Visitors to area waterways are advised to avoid algae or scum in the water which can be hazardous to pets and people, especially children. Watch for advisory notices which will be posted at all boat launch facilities and water recreation sites. For more information, visit California Water Boards website at https://mywaterquality.ca.gov/habs/index.html.
For more information, follow us on Twitter or Facebook and read our news releases and DWR updates.
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June 14, 2019
​Oroville Operations UpdateMain Spillway
Due to late precipitation and based on inflows, DWR has taken steps to prepare for potential use of the main spillway.
Currently, lake levels are being managed with releases from Hyatt Powerplant.
If DWR determines that it is necessary to utilize the main spillway in addition to Hyatt Powerplant to manage lake levels, DWR will notify the public and media. In early April, DWR utilized the reconstructed main spillway to make additional releases from the Oroville reservoir and the spillway operated as designed.
Lake Levels
Water releases from Hyatt Powerplant are approximately 5,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). The current elevation of Oroville reservoir is 894 feet.
A full reservoir is a welcome sight after years of drought and low lake levels to accommodate reconstruction. A filled lake provides optimal recreation opportunities and serves as a vital water bank account to help California cope with future drought conditions. It is common for the reservoir to stay relatively full during the summer months in an above average water year. In 2010 – 2011, another very wet year, the reservoir sat an elevation between 898 and 899 feet for the entire month of July.
Ongoing Work on Dam Crest Road
DWR is aiming to reopen public access to the top of dam (Dam Crest Road) this summer. In anticipation of the public opening DWR crews began removing small panels from the dam crest roadside barriers that contain asbestos on Tuesday, June 11. This work is expected to last for two weeks. Crews will wear protective suits and respirators to clean the panels in accordance with state health and safety regulations. DWR will share reporting about this work with Butte County Air Quality Management District and California Air Resources Board.
4th of July Celebration in Oroville
Oroville is always a great place to celebrate Fourth of July.  The event is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Oroville and will be held at California State Park’s Thermalito North Forebay recreation area, as well as at the nearby Feather River Recreation and Park District's Nelson Sports Complex. Activities will start at the Sports Complex 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and the fireworks display will start 30 minutes after sunset.
DWR has partnered with CALFIRE/Butte County and State Parks to prepare for the event including conducting a Vegetation Management Project to remove dry grass from an area in the North Forebay. The controlled burn conducted on June 10 around the location of the fireworks launch area will prevent the possibility of the fireworks starting a wildfire.
Follow the event’s Facebook page at Lake Oroville Fireworks for the latest information.
For more information, follow us on Twitter or Facebook and read our news releases and DWR updates.
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Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to [email protected].

The Forebay Aquatic Center is open for the summer season! This venue is the perfect place for anyone looking to be outdoors and in the water this summer.

For kids there are summer camps, field trips for schools, and equipment rental with all the safety measures to keep everyone safe in the water.

There are plenty of equipment rentals whether you are going by yourself or with a group. The choices are single kayak, sit-in kayak, tandem kayak, stand-up paddle board, pedal boat, hydrobike, and canoe. Rentals can be done per-hour up to entire season passes.

The Forebay Aquatic Center hosts a variety of events throughout their season, but are especially known for their Moonlight Paddles. Starting at sundown, the Forebay's staff offers a guided tour into the sunset and a paddle back to the shore under the moonlight.

Outside of water activities the Forebay is surrounded by a large picnic area which is perfect for birthday parties, family gatherings, and corporate parties. A portion of the Brad Freeman Trail also wraps around the Forebay that is perfect for a morning hike.

The Forebay is a California State Parks facility, so an $8 parking fee does apply. If you have any questions about recreation in the Oroville area, please contact the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce at (530) 538-2542.