Feather River Floating Classrooms
​Spend time on the beautiful Feather River this fall and join Department of Water Resources (DWR) scientists for educational floats each Saturday through Nov. 11. Rafting trips will float through Feather River spawning habitat while DWR scientists provide information on Chinook salmon conservation efforts, ongoing and planned research, and restoration and monitoring projects.
Each Saturday will have three floating classroom sessions with limited seats. Weekend sessions support free floating classroom events for local schools. Reserve your Floating Classroom Tour Tickets on Eventbrite.

NEW SPILLWAY DAY USE AREA HOURS
​With the end of summer and shorter daylight hours approaching, the Spillway Day Use Area will have reduced hours. Beginning Sunday, Oct. 1, the Spillway Day Use Area and Boat Ramp will be open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. These reduced hours will remain in effect through April 30, 2024. Vehicles may remain in the parking lot overnight but will be prohibited from exiting. 
All vehicles and trailers heading to the Spillway Day Use Area are subject to inspection by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) for security purposes. There are three other boat ramps at Lake Oroville that are open 24 hours a day and do not entail CHP inspections: Bidwell Canyon, Loafer Point, and Lime Saddle.

OROVILLE SALMON FESTIVAL
​DWR had a great time supporting the City of Oroville’s Salmon Festival celebrating the migration of native Chinook salmon in the Feather River. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our educational booth and took a free tour of the Feather River Fish Hatchery. DWR staff estimated that approximately 600 children and adults participated in DWR-led tours of the Hatchery, where Chinook salmon and steelhead are raised to improve fisheries populations throughout the state.
DWR also partnered with the Oroville State Theater to showcase videos about efforts to support vital salmon habitat restoration, fisheries health, and population growth. Many also saw salmon up close as they paddled down the river with rafting tours featuring DWR biologists who shared information about the salmonid life cycle and Feather River. Tickets for this unique experience are still available. Reserve your Floating Classroom Tour Tickets on Eventbrite.
To learn more about what DWR is doing year-round to support Feather River fish populations, visit our Storymap webpage.

MAINTENANCE WORK ON MAIN SPILLWAY UNDERWAY
​DWR is performing routine concrete and sealant repair work on localized areas of the spillway identified during annual inspections. While the main spillway continues to perform well and operate as designed, periodic concrete and sealant repairs of the spillway are expected due to seasonal temperature variations, spillway releases, and sun exposure. In 2023, Oroville Dam’s main spillway has passed over 2,370,000 acre-feet of water – approximately 67 percent of the capacity of Lake Oroville – with flows up to 36,000 cubic feet per second this spring.
Construction work is expected to continue through Nov. 15, but is dependent on weather and Oroville Dam operations. DWR will monitor reservoir levels and weather forecasts closely and will complete repair work early if spillway releases are required for flood control.
Approximately 500 square-feet of total concrete repairs are anticipated, representing less than 0.1 percent of the spillway’s surface. DWR will also replace joint sealant at select chute slab and wall joints that wear over time due to the spillway’s environment and inspect 51,000 feet of piping that supports the spillway’s improved drainage system.
The spillway was rebuilt to the highest engineering and safety standards with oversight and guidance by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD), and an independent board of consultants. DWR performed a significant amount of inspection and testing throughout construction to verify compliance with project specifications. DWR also provides regular updates to the Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission, a public forum for discussing operations, maintenance, and public safety activities at Oroville Dam and its facilities.

OROVILLE RECREATION 
DWR biologists are using the Feather River Fish Monitoring Station to determine abundance, run timing, and origin (hatchery or natural) of steelhead and Chinook salmon populations. This information will improve management of these important fish populations. Monitoring counts between Sept. 11 and Sept. 20 show a net total of 1,840 Chinook salmon and 52 steelhead that have passed upstream.
DWR, the California Department of Parks and Recreation, and DFW maintain over 92 miles of trails in the Oroville area. An interactive map of recreation facilities, including open boat ramps, and their permitted uses (hike, bike, horse, multi) is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. A paper trail map is available at various locations, including most entrance kiosks and the Lake Oroville Visitor Center. The marinas at Bidwell Canyon and Lime Saddle are open daily and provide a variety of services including a convenience store, gas, and boat rentals.
The Lake Oroville Visitor Center is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Staffed by knowledgeable guides, the Visitor Center features interpretive displays on Oroville Dam, area geology, wildlife and habitat, hydroelectric power, and cultural and historical artifacts. View videos in the theater about the construction of Oroville Dam, walk or hike along nearby trails, and visit the 47-foot-tall observation tower that provides unsurpassed panoramic views of surrounding areas. Free guided tours for school and community groups are available by reservation. Parking and admission to the Visitor Center are free.

CURRENT LAKE OPERATIONS
​Lake Oroville is at 835 feet elevation and storage is approximately 2.62 million acre-feet (MAF), which is 74 percent of its total capacity and 136 percent of the historical average.
Feather River releases are currently at 7,500 cubic feet per second (cfs). Flows through the City of Oroville are at 650 cfs and releases from the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet (Outlet) are at 6,850 cfs for a total of 7,500 cfs downstream of the Outlet. DWR continues to assess releases to the Feather River daily. 
DWR’s Water Operations division has begun adjusting reservoir levels in accordance with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Water Control Manual. This is done each year in preparation for the winter season to provide flood control protection to downstream communities and obtain additional space in the lake for increased storm runoff. Additionally, DWR’s Water Operations division monitors forecasts closely to predict incoming storm impacts and determine whether to release additional water to account for higher estimated inflows.
Visitors to Oroville Dam may also notice minor amounts of water flowing from drains built into the emergency spillway, which is normal and expected with the emergency spillway design. The dam and emergency spillway continue to operate as intended.
The public can track precipitation, snow, reservoir levels, and more at the California Data Exchange Center. The Lake Oroville gage station is identified as “ORO.”
All data as of midnight 9/28/2023.

Oroville Salmon Festival
​Join DWR at the Oroville Salmon Festival on Saturday, Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a celebration of the migration of native Chinook salmon in the Feather River. Visit DWR’s booth at the Feather River Fish Hatchery, where we will have educational materials on water safety, salmon coloring sheets for kids, and a salmon head photo opportunity. DWR Guides will also be giving free tours of the Hatchery, where DWR and DFW raise Chinook salmon and steelhead to improve fisheries populations throughout the state.
Other Salmon Festival activities include a pancake breakfast, Motor Mania, Avie’s Place 3K color run, a food and beer garden, Kid’s Zone, and numerous shopping opportunities and vendor booths in downtown Oroville. DWR has also partnered with the Oroville State Theater to showcase videos about efforts to support vital salmon habitat restoration, fisheries health, and population growth.
View the full Salmon Festival schedule at Visit Oroville.

FEATHER RIVER FLOATING CLASSROOMS
Join Friends of Butte Creek and DWR scientists for educational floats on the Feather River during the Oroville Salmon Festival on Sept. 23 and each Saturday through Nov. 11. Rafting trips will float through Feather River spawning habitat while DWR scientists provide information on Chinook salmon conservation efforts, ongoing and planned research, and restoration and monitoring projects.
Each Saturday will have three floating classroom sessions with limited seats. Weekend sessions will support free floating classroom events for local schools. Reserve your floating classroom spot on Eventbrite.

DWR HOSTS ANNUAL EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS WORKSHOP
​DWR’s Oroville Field Division hosted its annual Emergency Action Plan (EAP) review with local emergency responders and government agencies on Sept. 13. The day-long workshop provided an opportunity to review and discuss emergency action plans for the Oroville-Thermalito Complex facilities.
An EAP is a dam owner’s formal plan that identifies potential emergency conditions at a dam and specifies actions to be followed to minimize loss of life and property damage. It includes information that dam owners use to notify local emergency management officials and state and federal dam safety regulators.
The EAP is developed in consultation with local public safety agencies that may be affected by a dam incident. The resulting plan and the dam owner’s approved inundation map informs local jurisdictions as they plan for all types of incidents, and helps local, state, and federal agencies ensure effective emergency response. Inundation maps may be viewed on the Division of Safety of Dams website.

ANNUAL GREBE SURVEY COMPLETE
​During the summer months, a unique bird makes its home in the waters around the Oroville-Thermalito Complex, with a little help from DWR. The Western and Clark’s grebes are aquatic birds with distinctive red eyes and pointed yellow beaks. During the summer, they arrive from the Pacific Ocean to nesting areas around the Thermalito Afterbay in Oroville. The grebes nest in shallow waters, attaching their floating nests to aquatic vegetation under the surface.
Every year since 2004, DWR has established a goal of keeping Thermalito Afterbay water levels more consistent during the birds’ nesting season as part of our commitment to addressing wildlife needs. This year’s annual grebe survey was conducted Aug. 6 with 384 adults and 232 young grebes estimated at the Afterbay.

HATCHERY FISH LADDER OPENS
​Chinook salmon are completing their life cycle and returning home to the Feather River to lay eggs for the next generation of salmon. Spawning activities at the Feather River Fish Hatchery began this week with the opening of the fish ladder on Sept. 15.
Visitors to the Hatchery’s fish barrier dam overlook viewing area can view salmon congregating and jumping in the Feather River and see them up close through the underwater viewing window as they swim up the fish ladder. The overlook is located off Table Mountain Boulevard across from the Hatchery. The fish ladder is expected to remain open through early to mid-July 2024 for viewing opportunities.
The Feather River Fish Hatchery’s spawning operations enable millions of Chinook salmon to be released every spring in the waters of the Feather River, San Pablo Bay, and San Francisco Bay to support Northern California and Pacific Ocean fisheries. DWR owns and maintains the facility and provides funding to the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) for its spawning, rearing, and stocking operations.

MAINTENANCE WORK ON MAIN SPILLWAY UNDERWAY
​DWR is performing routine concrete and sealant repair work on localized areas of the spillway identified during annual inspections. While the main spillway continues to perform well and operate as designed, periodic concrete and sealant repairs of the spillway are expected due to seasonal temperature variations, spillway releases, and sun exposure. In 2023, Oroville Dam’s main spillway has passed over 2,370,000 acre-feet of water – approximately 67 percent of the capacity of Lake Oroville – with flows up to 36,000 cubic feet per second this spring.
Construction work is expected to continue through Nov. 15, but is dependent on weather and Oroville Dam operations. DWR will monitor reservoir levels and weather forecasts closely and will complete repair work early if spillway releases are required for flood control. The construction contract period extends through 2025, permitting the contractor to complete repairs in future dry seasons should the 2023 construction window be limited. 
Approximately 500 square-feet of total concrete repairs are anticipated, representing less than 0.1 percent of the spillway’s surface. DWR will also replace joint sealant at select chute slab and wall joints that wear over time due to the spillway’s environment and inspect 51,000 feet of piping that supports the spillway’s improved drainage system.
The spillway was rebuilt to the highest engineering and safety standards with oversight and guidance by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD), and an independent board of consultants. DWR performed a significant amount of inspection and testing throughout construction to verify compliance with project specifications. DWR also provides regular updates to the Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission, a public forum for discussing operations, maintenance, and public safety activities at Oroville Dam and its facilities.

OROVILLE RECREATION 
DWR biologists are using the Feather River Fish Monitoring Station to determine abundance, run timing, and origin (hatchery or natural) of steelhead and Chinook salmon populations. This information will improve management of these important fish populations. Monitoring counts between Sept. 11 and Sept. 15 show a net total of 668 Chinook salmon and 22 steelhead that have passed upstream.
DWR, the California Department of Parks and Recreation, and DFW maintain over 92 miles of trails in the Oroville area. An interactive map of recreation facilities, including open boat ramps, and their permitted uses (hike, bike, horse, multi) is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. A paper trail map is available at various locations, including most entrance kiosks and the Lake Oroville Visitor Center. The marinas at Bidwell Canyon and Lime Saddle are open daily and provide a variety of services including a convenience store, gas, and boat rentals.
The Lake Oroville Visitor Center is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Staffed by knowledgeable guides, the Visitor Center features interpretive displays on Oroville Dam, area geology, wildlife and habitat, hydroelectric power, and cultural and historical artifacts. View videos in the theater about the construction of Oroville Dam, walk or hike along nearby trails, and visit the 47-foot-tall observation tower that provides unsurpassed panoramic views of surrounding areas. Free guided tours for school and community groups are available by reservation. Parking and admission to the Visitor Center are free.

CURRENT LAKE OPERATIONS
​Lake Oroville is at 841 feet elevation and storage is approximately 2.69 million acre-feet (MAF), which is 76 percent of its total capacity and 137 percent of the historical average.
Feather River releases are currently at 7,500 cubic feet per second (cfs). Flows through the City of Oroville are at 650 cfs and releases from the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet (Outlet) are at 6,850 cfs for a total of 7,500 cfs downstream of the Outlet. DWR continues to assess releases to the Feather River daily. 
DWR’s Water Operations division has begun adjusting reservoir levels in accordance with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Water Control Manual. This is done each year in preparation for the winter season to provide flood control protection to downstream communities and obtain additional space in the lake for increased storm runoff. Additionally, DWR’s Water Operations division monitors forecasts closely to predict incoming storm impacts and determine whether to release additional water to account for higher estimated inflows.
Visitors to Oroville Dam may also notice minor amounts of water flowing from drains built into the emergency spillway, which is normal and expected with the emergency spillway design. The dam and emergency spillway continue to operate as intended.
The public can track precipitation, snow, reservoir levels, and more at the California Data Exchange Center. The Lake Oroville gage station is identified as “ORO.”
All data as of midnight 9/21/2023.

Maintenance Work on Main Spillway Underway
Starting this week, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) began staging construction equipment and materials at Oroville Dam’s main spillway. DWR is performing minor routine concrete and sealant repair work on localized areas of the spillway identified during annual inspections.
While the main spillway continues to perform well and operate as designed, periodic concrete and sealant repairs of the spillway are expected due to seasonal temperature variations, spillway releases, and sun exposure. In 2023, Oroville Dam’s main spillway has passed over 2,370,000 acre-feet of water – approximately 67 percent of the capacity of Lake Oroville – with flows up to 36,000 cubic feet per second this spring.
Construction work is expected to continue through Nov. 15, but is dependent on weather and Oroville Dam operations. DWR will be monitoring reservoir levels and weather forecasts closely and will complete repair work early if spillway releases are required for flood control. The construction contract period extends through 2025, permitting the contractor to complete repairs in future dry seasons should the 2023 construction window be limited. 
Approximately 500 square-feet of total concrete repairs are anticipated, representing less than 0.1 percent of the spillway’s surface. DWR will also replace joint sealant at select chute slab and wall joints that wear over time due to the spillway’s environment and inspect 51,000 feet of piping that supports the spillway’s improved drainage system.
The spillway was rebuilt to the highest engineering and safety standards with oversight and guidance by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD), and an independent board of consultants. DWR performed a significant amount of inspection and testing throughout construction to verify compliance with project specifications. DWR also provides regular updates to the Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission, a public forum for discussing operations, maintenance, and public safety activities at Oroville Dam and its facilities.

California Water Commission Tour
​The California Water Commission will be touring the Oroville Dam Spillways and the Feather River Fish Hatchery as part of their September meeting. As a public meeting, community members are also invited to attend the free tours. Commission meetings follow the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act. The public is welcome to make comments to the Commission at the end of each agenda item. Written comments regarding specific items on the agenda received by 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 18 will be provided to the Commissioners as part of their meeting packets.
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 20
Oroville Spillway Tour: 9 a.m. at the Oroville Dam Crest parking lot
Feather River Fish Hatchery: Approximately 10 a.m. the Hatchery Fish Ladder Viewing Window parking lot followed by a tour of the Hatchery located at 5 Table Mountain Blvd., Oroville, CA 95966
Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended as guests will be moving around the facilities, which are ADA accessible. Members of the public are responsible for their own transportation. The Commission is unable to provide options for remote public participation or viewing of the tour.

HATCHERY FISH LADDER OPENS
​Chinook salmon are completing their life cycle and returning home to the Feather River to lay eggs for the next generation of salmon. Water will be released down the fish ladder starting today, Sept. 15, and the Feather River Fish Hatchery will begin spawning activities on Sept. 18.
Visitors to the Hatchery’s fish barrier dam overlook viewing area can view salmon congregating and jumping in the Feather River and see them up close through the underwater viewing window as they swim up the fish ladder. The overlook is located off Table Mountain Boulevard across from the Hatchery. The fish ladder is expected to remain open through early to mid-July 2024 for viewing opportunities.
The Feather River Fish Hatchery’s spawning operations enable millions of Chinook salmon to be released every spring in the waters of the Feather River, San Pablo Bay, and San Francisco Bay to support Northern California and Pacific Ocean fisheries. DWR owns and maintains the facility and provides funding to the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) for its spawning, rearing, and stocking operations.

FEATHER RIVER FLOATING CLASSROOMS
​Join Friends of Butte Creek and DWR scientists for educational floats on the Feather River during the Oroville Salmon Festival on Sept. 23 and each Saturday through Nov. 11. Rafting trips will float through Feather River spawning habitat while DWR scientists provide information on Chinook salmon conservation efforts, ongoing and planned research, and restoration and monitoring projects.
Each Saturday will have three floating classroom sessions with limited seats. Weekend sessions will support free floating classroom events for local schools. Reserve your floating classroom spot on Eventbrite.

OROVILLE SALMON FESTIVAL
​Join DWR at the Oroville Salmon Festival on Saturday, Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a celebration of the migration of native Chinook salmon in the Feather River. Visit DWR’s booth at the Feather River Fish Hatchery, where we will have educational materials on water safety, salmon coloring sheets for kids, and a salmon head photo opportunity. DWR Guides will also be giving free tours of the Hatchery, where DWR and DFW raise Chinook salmon and steelhead to improve fisheries populations throughout the state.
Other Salmon Festival activities include a pancake breakfast, Motor Mania, Avie’s Place 3K color run, a food and beer garden, Kid’s Zone, and numerous shopping opportunities and vendor booths in downtown Oroville. DWR has also partnered with the Oroville State Theater to showcase videos about efforts to support vital salmon habitat restoration, fisheries health, and population growth.
View the full Salmon Festival schedule at Visit Oroville.

OROVILLE RECREATION 
DWR, the California Department of Parks and Recreation, and DFW maintain over 92 miles of trails in the Oroville area. An interactive map of recreation facilities, including open boat ramps, and their permitted uses (hike, bike, horse, multi) is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. A paper trail map is available at various locations, including most entrance kiosks and the Lake Oroville Visitor Center. The marinas at Bidwell Canyon and Lime Saddle are open daily and provide a variety of services including a convenience store, gas, and boat rentals.
The Lake Oroville Visitor Center is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Staffed by knowledgeable guides, the Visitor Center features interpretive displays on Oroville Dam, area geology, wildlife and habitat, hydroelectric power, and cultural and historical artifacts. View videos in the theater about the construction of Oroville Dam, walk or hike along nearby trails, and visit the 47-foot-tall observation tower that provides unsurpassed panoramic views of surrounding areas. Free guided tours for school and community groups are available by reservation. Parking and admission to the Visitor Center are free.

CURRENT LAKE OPERATIONS
​Lake Oroville is at 845 feet elevation and storage is approximately 2.75 million acre-feet (MAF), which is 78 percent of its total capacity and 138 percent of the historical average.
Feather River releases are currently at 7,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). Flows through the City of Oroville are at 650 cfs and releases from the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet (Outlet) are at 6,350 cfs for a total of 7,000 cfs downstream of the Outlet. DWR continues to assess releases to the Feather River daily. 
Around mid-September, DWR’s Water Operations division will begin adjusting reservoir levels in accordance with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Water Control Manual. This is done each year in preparation for the winter season to provide flood control protection to downstream communities and obtain additional space in the lake for increased storm runoff. Additionally, DWR’s Water Operations division monitors forecasts closely to predict incoming storm impacts and determine whether to release additional water to account for higher estimated inflows.
Visitors to Oroville Dam may also notice minor amounts of water flowing from drains built into the emergency spillway, which is normal and expected with the emergency spillway design. The dam and emergency spillway continue to operate as intended.
The public can track precipitation, snow, reservoir levels, and more at the California Data Exchange Center. The Lake Oroville gage station is identified as “ORO.”
All data as of midnight 9/14/2023.

Maintenance Work on Main Spillway Set to Begin
​Starting this week, Oroville-area residents will notice construction staging equipment and materials at Oroville Dam’s main spillway. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is performing minor routine concrete and sealant repair work on localized areas of the spillway identified during annual inspections.
While the main spillway continues to perform well and operate as designed, periodic concrete and sealant repairs of the spillway are expected due to seasonal temperature variations, spillway releases, and sun exposure.  In 2023, Oroville Dam’s main spillway has passed over 2,370,000 acre-feet of water – approximately 67 percent of the capacity of Lake Oroville – with flows up to 36,000 cubic feet per second this spring.
Construction work is expected to continue through November 15, but is dependent on weather and Oroville Dam operations. DWR will be monitoring reservoir levels and weather forecasts closely and will complete repair work early if spillway releases are required for flood control. The construction contract period extends through 2025, permitting the contractor to complete repairs in future dry seasons should the 2023 construction window be limited. 
Approximately 500 square-feet of total concrete repairs are anticipated, representing less than 0.1 percent of the spillway’s surface. DWR will also be replacing joint sealant at select chute slab and wall joints that wear over time due to the spillway’s environment, and inspecting 51,000 feet of piping that supports the spillway’s improved drainage system.
The spillway was rebuilt to the highest engineering and safety standards with oversight and guidance by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD), and an independent board of consultants. DWR performed a significant amount of inspection and testing throughout construction to verify compliance with project specifications. DWR also provides regular updates to the Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission, a public forum for discussing operations, maintenance, and public safety activities at Oroville Dam and its facilities.

Maintenance Work on Main Spillway Set to Begin
​Starting the week of Sept. 11, Oroville-area residents will notice construction staging equipment and materials at Oroville Dam’s main spillway. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is performing maintenance work on localized areas of the spillway to address areas of deteriorated concrete and sealant identified during annual inspections. Periodic concrete and sealant repairs of the spillway are expected due to seasonal temperature variations, spillway releases, and sun exposure.  
Approximately 500 square-feet of total concrete repairs are anticipated, representing less than 0.1 percent of the spillway’s surface. Concrete work by contractor Syblon Reid will include tying new concrete material to the spillway’s first layer of reinforcing steel to provide a longer-lasting repair. DWR will also be replacing joint sealant at select chute slab and wall joints that degrade over time due to the spillway’s environment, and inspecting 51,000 feet of piping that supports the spillway’s improved drainage system.
In 2023 alone, Oroville Dam’s main spillway has passed over 2,370,000 acre-feet of water – approximately 67 percent of the capacity of Lake Oroville. The main spillway has continued to perform and operate as designed, passing flows up to 36,000 cubic feet per second this spring. Construction work represents anticipated maintenance activities considering the time since completion of construction, the spillway’s use, and its environment.
Construction work this year is expected to continue through November 15, but is dependent on weather and Oroville Dam operations. DWR will be monitoring reservoir levels and weather forecasts closely and will complete repair work early if spillway releases are required for flood control management. The construction contract period extends through 2025, permitting the contractor to complete repairs in future dry seasons should the 2023 construction window be limited. 
The spillway was rebuilt to the highest engineering and safety standards with oversight and guidance by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD), and an independent board of consultants. DWR performed a significant amount of inspection and testing throughout construction to verify compliance with project specifications. DWR also provides regular updates to the Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission, a public forum for discussing operations, maintenance, and public safety activities at Oroville Dam and its facilities..

OROVILLE RECREATION 
DWR, the California Department of Parks and Recreation, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife maintain over 92 miles of trails in the Oroville area. An interactive map of recreation facilities, including open boat ramps, and their permitted uses (hike, bike, horse, multi) is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. A paper trail map is available at various locations, including most entrance kiosks and the Visitor Center.
The Lake Oroville Visitor Center is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Staffed by knowledgeable guides, the Visitor Center features interpretive displays on Oroville Dam, area geology, wildlife and habitat, hydroelectric power, and cultural and historical artifacts. View videos in the theater about the construction of Oroville Dam, walk or hike along nearby trails, and visit the 47-foot-tall observation tower that provides unsurpassed panoramic views of surrounding areas. Free guided tours for school and community groups are available by reservation. Parking and admission to the Visitor Center are free.
Visitors continue to enjoy the abundant recreation facilities throughout the Lake Oroville and Thermalito facilities. All major boat ramps are open with numerous launching lanes and available parking. Floating campsites provide a unique on-the-water camping experience, and several regular campgrounds provide camping throughout the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area while offering close access to water activities. The marinas at Bidwell Canyon and Lime Saddle are open daily and provide a variety of services including a convenience store, gas, and boat rentals.

CURRENT LAKE OPERATIONS
​Lake Oroville is at 849 feet elevation and storage is approximately 2.8 million acre-feet (MAF), which is 79 percent of its total capacity and 138 percent of the historical average.
Feather River releases are currently at 6,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). Flows through the City of Oroville are at 650 cfs and releases from the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet (Outlet) are at 5,350 cfs for a total of 6,000 cfs downstream of the Outlet. DWR continues to assess releases to the Feather River daily. 
Around mid-September, DWR’s Water Operations division will begin adjusting reservoir levels in accordance with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Water Control Manual. This is done each year in preparation for the winter season to provide flood control protection to downstream communities and obtain additional space in the lake for increased storm runoff. Additionally, DWR’s Water Operations division monitors forecasts closely to predict incoming storm impacts and determine whether to release additional water to account for higher estimated inflows.
DWR has been using the main spillway intermittently for water releases to manage storage within the Oroville complex or maintain Feather River temperature levels during ongoing river valve outlet system work near the Hyatt Powerplant. When the main spillway is not in use, water may still be seen on the main spillway outlet as the seals on the eight radial gates are not designed to be watertight. The gate seals do not play a role in the structural integrity of the gates, which continue to operate as intended. DWR periodically maintains and adjusts the seals during low-reservoir conditions to improve their sealing capability. The radial gates were last inspected and tested in Dec. 2022.
Visitors to Oroville Dam may also notice minor amounts of water flowing from drains built into the emergency spillway, which is normal and expected with the emergency spillway design. The dam and emergency spillway continue to operate as intended.
The public can track precipitation, snow, reservoir levels, and more at the California Data Exchange Center. The Lake Oroville gage station is identified as “ORO.”
All data as of midnight 9/7/2023

Salmon Habitat Project Complete
​The Department of Water Resources (DWR) has completed construction on a salmonid habitat improvement project in the Feather River near the Feather River Fish Hatchery and Bedrock Park in Oroville. The project placed approximately 9,000 cubic yards of gravel at multiple locations to improve existing spawning habitat sites. Salmonid access to existing river side channels was also improved by excavating and redistributing accumulated streambed material. Migratory fish species such as Chinook salmon and steelhead trout rely on Feather River spawning habitats along the low-flow channel, where most spawning activity occurs. Female salmonids lay their eggs in nests called “redds” using coarse sediment, such as clean, rounded gravel.
The project was primarily funded by two grants: the State of California Natural Resource Agency Prop 68 – Protecting California’s Rivers, Streams and Watershed Grant Program, and the Central Valley Project Improvement Act – Fish and Wildlife Restoration Activities supported by the U.S. Department of Interior. Previous DWR Feather River spawning restoration projects included the placement of 8,300 cubic yards of spawning gravel in 2014 and another 5,000 cubic yards in 2017.

NEW HOURS FOR VISITOR CENTER
​The Lake Oroville Visitor Center is now open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Staffed by knowledgeable guides, the Visitor Center features interpretive displays on Oroville Dam, area geology, wildlife and habitat, hydroelectric power, and cultural and historical artifacts. View videos in the theater about the construction of Oroville Dam, walk or hike along nearby trails, and visit the 47-foot-tall observation tower that provides unsurpassed panoramic views of surrounding areas. Free guided tours for school and community groups are available by reservation.  
The Visitor Center also has a new, small library area featuring educational books for children on topics such as nature, the water cycle, science, and engineering. Parents, caregivers, and young children are encouraged to enjoy these books during their visit, with designated seating areas in the lobby or throughout the museum. Parking and admission to the Visitor Center are free.

EXPLORE THE THERMALITO AFTERBAY
​The Thermalito Afterbay provides an expansive area for watercraft use, with numerous opportunities for motorized and non-motorized vessels. The Thermalito Afterbay and surrounding Oroville Wildlife Area are managed for primitive and immersive wildlife experiences and for the preservation and enhancement of wildlife habitat areas. With 17 miles of shoreline and 4,300 surface acres of water, the Thermalito Afterbay is open for boating, swimming, fishing, picnicking, and hunting.
The Monument Hill boat ramp and day use area provides a two-lane ramp with a boarding dock, picnic tables, barbecues, restroom facilities, a fish cleaning station, and a swimming beach. North of the Highway 162 bridge, a 5-mph motorized watercraft speed limit provides opportunities for paddle sports, windsurfing, and fishing.  The Wilbur Road boat ramp on the northern side of the Afterbay and Larkin Road Car-top boat ramp on the southern side of the Afterbay provide additional launching facilities for water recreation, with vault restroom facilities at both locations.
Located within the Oroville Wildlife Area, campsites near the Afterbay Outlet offer primitive camping facilities with vault restrooms and trash receptacles.  The Thermalito Afterbay outlet is one of the most popular river fishing areas, particularly during salmon runs. To check hunting and fishing seasons and regulations, consult the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Several trails in the Afterbay area – Toland Road Trailhead, Tres Vias Trailhead, and East Hamilton Road Trailhead – connect with the popular Brad Freeman Trail for further exploration of the Oroville Wildlife Area. The East Hamilton Trailhead is the only facility with a picnic table and a small gravel parking area.

OROVILLE RECREATION 
DWR, State Parks, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife also maintain over 92 miles of trails in the Oroville area. An interactive map of recreation facilities, including open boat ramps, and their permitted uses (hike, bike, horse, multi) is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. A paper trail map is available at various locations, including most entrance kiosks and the Visitor Center.
Visitors continue to enjoy the abundant recreation facilities throughout the Lake Oroville and Thermalito facilities. All major boat ramps are open with numerous launching lanes and available parking. Floating campsites provide a unique on-the-water camping experience, and several regular campgrounds provide camping throughout the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area while offering close access to water activities. The marinas at Bidwell Canyon and Lime Saddle are open daily and provide a variety of services including a convenience store, gas, and boat rentals.

CURRENT LAKE OPERATIONS
​Lake Oroville is at 855 feet elevation and storage is approximately 2.87 million acre-feet (MAF), which is 81 percent of its total capacity and 139 percent of the historical average.
Feather River releases are currently at 6,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). Flows through the City of Oroville are at 650 cfs and releases from the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet (Outlet) are at 5,350 cfs for a total of 6,000 cfs downstream of the Outlet. DWR continues to assess releases to the Feather River daily. 
Around mid-September, DWR’s Water Operations division will begin adjusting reservoir levels in accordance with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Water Control Manual. This is done each year in preparation for the winter season to provide flood control protection to downstream communities and retain additional space in the lake for increased storm runoff. Additionally, DWR’s Water Operations division monitors forecasts closely to predict incoming storm impacts and determine whether to release additional water to account for higher estimated inflows.
DWR has been using the main spillway intermittently for water releases to manage storage within the Oroville complex or maintain Feather River temperature levels during ongoing river valve outlet system work near the Hyatt Powerplant. When the main spillway is not in use, water may still be seen on the main spillway outlet as the seals on the eight radial gates are not designed to be watertight. The gate seals do not play a role in the structural integrity of the gates, which continue to operate as intended. DWR periodically maintains and adjusts the seals during low-reservoir conditions to improve their sealing capability. The radial gates were last inspected and tested in Dec. 2022.
Visitors to Oroville Dam may also notice minor amounts of water flowing from drains built into the emergency spillway, which is normal and expected with the emergency spillway design. The dam and emergency spillway continue to operate as intended.
The public can track precipitation, snow, reservoir levels, and more at the California Data Exchange Center. The Lake Oroville gage station is identified as “ORO.”
All data as of midnight 8/31/2023.