  Stopping the Spread of Golden Mussel With the discovery of the highly invasive golden mussel in California waterways in October 2024, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) has been developing plans to protect State Water Project (SWP) infrastructure while maintaining facilities like Lake Oroville as prime recreation destinations. As temperatures warm, golden mussels are expected to begin spawning, making them a significant threat to the ecological health of all waters of the state, its water storage and conveyance systems, infrastructure, and water quality. Golden mussels have not been detected at Lake Oroville and DWR will be implementing measures to prevent their introduction. DWR is coordinating with partners at the California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to implement a watercraft inspection program at Lake Oroville and the surrounding SWP facilities in Butte County. More details will be released soon, with a program expected to begin within the next month. Golden mussels range from ¾ inches to 2 inches in size and have a light to dark yellowish-brown to brown-colored shell. When golden mussel populations are established, they are difficult to control since they can become very abundant and are easily spread to new waterbodies. Mussel larvae, also referred to as veligers, are microscopic and free floating in infested waters and can be transported in a boat’s live well, ballast tank, or in the bilge if these areas are not completely drained. If left unchecked, golden mussels can alter aquatic ecosystems by filter-feeding on planktonic algae and changing the habitat structure which can damage fisheries, impact water delivery systems by clogging small-diameter pipelines, screens, and filters, and impact recreation by fouling boat hulls and motors and clogging intakes and cooling lines. To prevent the spread of invasive mussels, DWR routinely monitors for these species and acts to prevent their spread to non-infested waters. When recreating on California’s waterways, always remember to:
Additional details about golden mussels and an informational video are available on DWR’s website. CDFW also issued a press release last week about a joint effort to stop the spread of golden mussels in California waterways.  Storage Increasing at Lake Oroville During the winter and early spring months, flood control releases from Oroville Dam ensure the safety of the City of Oroville and downstream communities by reserving storage space to capture high storm inflows while permitting controlled and coordinated releases from the dam. As the warm summer months approach and rain and snowstorms driven by atmospheric rivers wane, DWR transitions from performing flood control releases at Oroville Dam to conserving as much water in the reservoir as possible, while still meeting water delivery and environmental requirements. DWR has decreased total releases from Lake Oroville to account for reduced inflows into the reservoir while optimizing storage for the benefit of water supply, recreation, and fish and wildlife enhancement. DWR coordinates releases closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other water operators and adjusts releases as needed to maintain balance throughout the water system. Current reservoir levels are as follows, though estimates may change quickly:
Lake Oroville is the largest storage facility in the State Water Project, providing flood protection while supporting environmental and water delivery needs to 27 million Californians. Some water released from Lake Oroville is distributed locally for agriculture benefits, while the remaining Feather River releases flow south through the State Water Project system to reduce salinity effects in the Delta, provide irrigation for crops in the Central Valley, and eventually make their way to Southern California. DWR continues to monitor lake levels, weather forecasts, and mountain snow levels to optimize water storage while allowing for carryover storage into next year. Oroville Recreation Advisory Committee The Oroville Recreation Advisory Committee (ORAC) will hold a meeting on Friday, May 2 at 10 a.m. at the Southside Oroville Community Center located at 2959 Lower Wyandotte Road, Oroville, CA, 95966. ORAC was established by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to review and provide recreation plan recommendations for Oroville Facilities owned by the Department of Water Resources (DWR). The 13-member committee is made up of representatives from state and local government, recreation groups, and business and community organizations.  Earth Day Event at the Visitor Center DWR is hosting an Earth Day event at the Lake Oroville Visitor Center this Saturday, April 26 from noon to 4 p.m. Join our guides in creating beautiful chalk art and craft projects showcasing your love for our planet and its precious resources. Also stop by to view wildflower-inspired artwork from Butte County residents of all ages. Artwork is being displayed in the Visitor Center’s front lobby from Saturday, April 26 through Sunday, May 11. Located at 917 Kelly Ridge Rd. in Oroville, the Visitor Center is open daily 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.  CAL FIRE Recognizes DWR for Vegetation Management Efforts
In a recent letter to DWR, CAL FIRE Butte County Unit Chief Garrett Sjolund recognized the Department for its vegetation and fire risk reduction efforts throughout the Lake Oroville area, particularly near the Hyatt Powerplant. During the July 2024 Thompson Fire, strong winds began to push the fire along the Feather River and up the canyon towards the Kelly Ridge area, which would have had devastating impacts on local residents, businesses, and public safety. Ultimately this did not happen, thanks in part to DWR’s previous fuels reduction work along Oro Dam Blvd. E. which caused the fire to slow significantly. Due to lighter vegetation and ladder fuels in the area, surface fuels burned at a much lower rate and reduced spot fire potential. “It is my opinion that had the DWR not focused effort on fuels reduction along Oro Dam Blvd. E. near Oro Powerhouse Road, the outcome of this incident may have been much different,” noted Chief Sjolund in his letter. DWR's Fuel Load Management Plan is reducing hazardous fuels and the risk of catastrophic wildfire by thinning vegetation using hand and mechanical methods, accompanied by chipping and controlled burning. By proactively reducing ground fuels, thinning overgrown vegetation, and removing dead and dying vegetation, firefighters have a better chance at suppressing a wildfire. Between early 2013 and June 2024, DWR and its local partners treated or retreated more than 2,500 acres of vegetation. Vegetation management remains a top priority for DWR and its partners including CAL FIRE, the Butte County Fire Department, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, the California Conservation Corps (CCC), the California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks), local tribes, and the Butte County Fire Safe Council. Current Lake OperationsLake Oroville is at 886 feet elevation and storage is approximately 3.21 million acre-feet (MAF), which is 94 percent of its total capacity and 119 percent of the historical average. Feather River flows are at 650 cfs through the City of Oroville with 1,650 cfs being released from the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet (Outlet) for a total Feather River release of 2,300 cfs downstream. DWR continues to assess Feather River releases daily. 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 4/24/2025. ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to [email protected].
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  Flood Control Releases From Lake Oroville Ongoing As snowmelt season begins, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) continues to perform flood protection releases from Lake Oroville using the main spillway and Hyatt Powerplant. Releases from Lake Oroville during the spring months help maintain storage capacity in the reservoir to capture runoff from mountain snowmelt, while optimizing storage for the benefit of water supply, recreation, and fish and wildlife enhancement. DWR continues to conserve as much water supply as possible in coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Releases are subject to change based on ongoing weather conditions. Between October and June, DWR is required to operate Lake Oroville for flood control under federal Water Control Manual guidelines set by USACE. These federal regulations establish a set storage space that is reserved to capture inflows from rain and future snowmelt, while protecting downstream communities from damaging flood events through water releases. Releases to the Feather River are coordinated closely with USACE and other downstream water operators. Current reservoir levels are as follows, though estimates may change quickly:
Lake Oroville is the largest storage facility in the State Water Project, providing flood protection while supporting environmental and water delivery needs to 27 million Californians. Some water released from Lake Oroville is distributed locally for agriculture benefits, while the remaining Feather River releases flow south through the State Water Project system to reduce salinity effects in the Delta, provide irrigation for crops in the Central Valley, and eventually make their way to Southern California. DWR continues to monitor lake levels, weather forecasts, and mountain snow levels to optimize water storage while allowing for carryover storage into next year.  Visitor Center Art Show Celebrate Earth Day this month with DWR and the Lake Oroville Visitor Center. The Visitor Center is currently accepting wildflower-inspired artwork from Butte County residents of all ages. Submissions can range from photography and painting to digital art, drawing, or textiles. Submit your work by 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23. Artwork will be displayed in the Visitor Center’s front lobby from Saturday, April 26 through Sunday, May 11. In addition, DWR is hosting an Earth Day event at the Lake Oroville Visitor Center on Saturday, April 26 from noon to 4 p.m. Join our guides in creating beautiful chalk art and craft projects showcasing your love for our planet and its precious resources. Located at 917 Kelly Ridge Rd. in Oroville, the Visitor Center is open daily 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.  Vegetation Management Activities DWR continues the final phase of fuel load reduction efforts at Loafer Creek under a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). Throughout the spring, hand crews and heavy equipment operators have been working in the area to complete this critical wildfire prevention project. Phases I and II of the project, covering DWR property along Oro Dam Blvd. East and the Bidwell Canyon/Kelly Ridge area near the Lake Oroville Visitor Center, are complete. In 2023, DWR secured $900,000 in HMGP funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support hazardous fuels reduction across 220 acres in the Lake Oroville area. Additionally, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office crew is continuing post-burn cleanup efforts in the Loafer Creek area following CAL FIRE’s prescribed burn in October 2024. CAL FIRE hand crews and heavy equipment operators are also assisting as resources allow. These efforts focus on reducing wildfire risk by thinning vegetation through hand and mechanical methods, accompanied by chipping and pile burning. Smoke will be visible throughout the Oroville area. As vegetation management continues, some trails within the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area may be intermittently closed. Trail users should use caution in active work areas and follow all posted signage. DWR’s Fuel Load Management Plan is dedicated to reducing wildfire risk, enhancing public safety, and improving forest health around Lake Oroville. Vegetation management in this critical area remains a top priority for DWR and its partners, including CAL FIRE, the Butte County Fire Department, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, the CA Conservation Corps (CCC), CA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), CA State Parks, local tribes, and the Butte County Fire Safe Council.  Explore Table Mountain
Formed from ancient lava flows, the 3,300-acre North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve is a flat-topped mesa providing spectacular views of the valley below. Following winter rains, fissures along the vast lava caps form natural streams, vernal pools, and waterfalls that cascade off the plateau to the valley below. Spring is a spectacular time to enjoy miles of hiking trails through the reserve to view an array of wildflowers in bloom and an expansive carpet of green grasses. Cattle grazing on the reserve is used as a management tool to reduce thatch and non-native grass species to benefit native plants. More information about visiting the ecological reserve may be found on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's (CDFW) website. Current Lake Operations Lake Oroville is at 878 feet elevation and storage is approximately 3.09 million acre-feet (MAF), which is 90 percent of its total capacity and 120 percent of the historical average. Feather River flows are at 2,500 cfs through the City of Oroville with 10,000 cfs being released from the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet (Outlet) for a total Feather River release of 12,500 cfs downstream. Total Feather River releases will be decreased to 11,000 cfs on Sunday, April 13 with flows through the City of Oroville reduced to 2,200 cfs and flows from the Outlet reduced to 8,800 cfs. DWR continues to assess Feather River releases daily. 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 4/10/2025. ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to [email protected].  Stopping the Spread of Golden Mussels With the introduction of highly invasive golden mussels into California waterways in October 2024, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) has been developing plans to protect State Water Project (SWP) infrastructure while maintaining facilities like Lake Oroville as prime recreation destinations. As temperatures warm, golden mussels are expected to begin spawning, making them a significant threat to the ecological health of all waters of the state, its water storage and conveyance systems, infrastructure, and water quality. Golden mussels have not been detected at Lake Oroville and DWR will be implementing measures to prevent their introduction. Watercraft inspections at Lake Oroville and the surrounding SWP facilities are expected to begin within the next month. More details will be released soon about the inspection and decontamination program. Golden mussels range from ¾ inches to 2 inches in size and have a light to dark yellowish-brown to brown-colored shell. When golden mussel populations are established, they are difficult to control since they can become very abundant and are easily spread to new waterbodies. Mussel larvae are microscopic and free floating in infested waters and can be transported in a boat’s live well, ballast tank, or in the bilge if these areas are not completely drained. If left unchecked, golden mussels can alter aquatic ecosystems by filter-feeding on planktonic algae and changing the habitat structure which can damage fisheries, impact water delivery systems by clogging small-diameter pipelines, screens, and filters, and impact recreation by fouling boat hulls and motors and clogging intakes and cooling lines. To prevent the spread of invasive mussels, DWR routinely monitors for these species and acts to prevent their spread to non-infested waters. When recreating on California’s waterways, always remember to:
 Flood Control Release from Lake Oroville Ongoing As snowmelt season begins, DWR continues to perform flood protection releases from Lake Oroville using the main spillway and Hyatt Powerplant. Releases from Lake Oroville during the spring months help maintain storage capacity in the reservoir to capture runoff from mountain snowmelt, while optimizing storage for the benefit of water supply, recreation, and fish and wildlife enhancement. DWR continues to conserve as much water supply as possible in coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Between October and June, DWR is required to operate Lake Oroville for flood control under federal Water Control Manual guidelines set by USACE. DWR is also operating under its own Interim Operations Plan (IOP), approved by USACE and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. These federal regulations and the IOP establish an expanded storage space that is reserved to capture inflows from rain and future snowmelt, while protecting downstream communities from damaging flood events through water releases. Releases to the Feather River are coordinated closely with USACE and other downstream water operators. Current reservoir levels are as follows, though estimates may change quickly:
Lake Oroville is the largest storage facility in the State Water Project, providing flood protection while supporting environmental and water delivery needs to 27 million Californians. Some water released from Lake Oroville is distributed locally for agriculture benefits, while the remaining Feather River releases flow south through the State Water Project system to reduce salinity effects in the Delta, provide irrigation for crops in the Central Valley, and eventually make their way to Southern California. DWR continues to monitor lake levels, weather forecasts, and mountain snow levels to optimize water storage while allowing for carryover storage into next year.  CAL FIRE Recognizes DWR for Vegetation Management Efforts In a recent letter to DWR, CAL FIRE Butte County Unit Chief Garrett Sjolund recognized the Department for its vegetation and fire risk reduction efforts throughout the Lake Oroville area, particularly near the Hyatt Powerplant. During the July 2024 Thompson Fire, strong winds began to push the fire along the Feather River and up the canyon towards the Kelly Ridge area, which would have had devastating impacts to local residents, businesses, and public safety. Ultimately this did not happen, thanks in part to DWR’s previous fuels reduction work along Oro Dam Blvd. E. which caused the fire to slow significantly. Due to lighter vegetation and ladder fuels in the area, surface fuels burned at a much lower rate and reduced spot fire potential. “It is my opinion that had the DWR not focused effort on fuels reduction along Oro Dam Blvd. E. near Oro Powerhouse Road, the outcome of this incident may have been much different,” noted Chief Sjolund in his letter. DWR's Fuel Load Management Plan is reducing hazardous fuels and the risk of catastrophic wildfire by thinning vegetation using hand and mechanical methods, accompanied by chipping. By proactively reducing ground fuels, thinning overgrown vegetation, and removing dead and dying vegetation, firefighters have a better chance at suppressing a wildfire. Between early 2013 and June 2024, DWR and its local partners treated or retreated more than 2,500 acres of vegetation. Vegetation management remains a top priority for DWR and its partners including CAL FIRE, the Butte County Fire Department, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, the California Conservation Corps (CCC), the California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks), local tribes, and the Butte County Fire Safe Council.  Visitor Center Art Show
Celebrate Earth Day this month with DWR and the Lake Oroville Visitor Center. The Visitor Center is currently accepting wildflower-inspired artwork from Butte County residents of all ages. Submissions can range from photography and painting to digital art, drawing, or textiles. Submit your work by 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23. Artwork will be displayed in the Visitor Center’s front lobby from Saturday, April 26 through Sunday, May 11. In addition, DWR is hosting an Earth Day event at the Lake Oroville Visitor Center on Saturday, April 26 from noon to 4 p.m. Join our guides in creating beautiful chalk art and craft projects showcasing your love for our planet and its precious resources. Located at 917 Kelly Ridge Rd. in Oroville, the Visitor Center is open daily 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 OperationsLake Oroville is at 880 feet elevation and storage is approximately 3.13 million acre-feet (MAF), which is 91 percent of its total capacity and 119 percent of the historical average. Feather River flows are at 1,000 cfs through the City of Oroville with 5,000 cfs being released from the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet (Outlet) for a total Feather River release of 6,000 cfs downstream. DWR continues to assess Feather River releases daily. 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 4/17/2025. ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to [email protected].   Flood Control Releases From Lake Oroville Ongoing As snowmelt season begins, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) continues to perform flood protection releases from Lake Oroville using the main spillway and Hyatt Powerplant. Releases from Lake Oroville during the spring months help maintain storage capacity in the reservoir to capture runoff from mountain snowmelt, while optimizing storage for the benefit of water supply, recreation, and fish and wildlife enhancement. DWR continues to conserve as much water supply as possible in coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Releases are subject to change based on ongoing weather conditions. Between October and June, DWR is required to operate Lake Oroville for flood control under federal Water Control Manual guidelines set by USACE. These federal regulations establish a set storage space that is reserved to capture inflows from rain and future snowmelt, while protecting downstream communities from damaging flood events through water releases. Releases to the Feather River are coordinated closely with USACE and other downstream water operators. Current reservoir levels are as follows, though estimates may change quickly:
Lake Oroville is the largest storage facility in the State Water Project, providing flood protection while supporting environmental and water delivery needs to 27 million Californians. Some water released from Lake Oroville is distributed locally for agriculture benefits, while the remaining Feather River releases flow south through the State Water Project system to reduce salinity effects in the Delta, provide irrigation for crops in the Central Valley, and eventually make their way to Southern California. DWR continues to monitor lake levels, weather forecasts, and mountain snow levels to optimize water storage while allowing for carryover storage into next year.  Oroville Wildflower & Nature Festival The Feather River Recreation & Park District (FRRPD) is hosting its annual Wildflower & Nature Festival at Riverbend Park in Oroville on Saturday, April 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free to the festival with activities highlighting the area’s natural resources and booths showcasing handmade Butte County products. Activities and entertainment will be available for all ages including children’s crafts, river kayak tours, live music, food trucks, and a beer and wine garden. Make sure to stop by DWR’s booth for information about native plants that inhabit local vernal pools and a craft activity for kids – making felt California poppies and tissue paper Butte County meadowfoam. More information about the Wildflower & Nature Festival is available on FRRPD’s website.  Explore Table Mountain Formed from ancient lava flows, the 3,300-acre North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve is a flat-topped mesa providing spectacular views of the valley below. Following winter rains, fissures along the vast lava caps form natural streams, vernal pools, and waterfalls that cascade off the plateau to the valley below. Spring is a spectacular time to enjoy miles of hiking trails through the reserve to view an array of wildflowers in bloom and an expansive carpet of green grasses. Cattle grazing on the reserve is used as a management tool to reduce thatch and non-native grass species to benefit native plants. More information about visiting the ecological reserve may be found on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's (CDFW) website.  Feather River Forks Open DWR’s Civil Maintenance staff have removed log booms from the south, middle, west, and north forks of the Feather River that feed into Lake Oroville, permitting access to recreation sites further upstream. During the winter months, crews use log booms to collect woody debris during high water inflow periods and prevent it from reaching the larger body of the lake. Crews will continue woody vegetation collection as water levels rise this spring at Lake Oroville. Floating debris removal ensures continued infrastructure operations and the safety of the recreating public on Lake Oroville. However, boaters and other water recreationists should take precautions when operating watercraft on Lake Oroville and should remain alert for floating debris.  Feather Falls A popular excursion at Lake Oroville during high-water level periods is to take a boat trip to the upper end of the Middle Fork Arm to view Feather Falls, a Yosemite-style waterfall of exquisite beauty. Along the way, there are many smaller waterfalls to see including some that tumble directly into Lake Oroville such as Bean Creek and Frey Creek. Bring a picnic lunch, a camera, and don’t forget your fishing pole. There are unlimited bass fishing opportunities along the route and trout fishing can also be good where the cold mountain streams enter the lake.  Oroville Recreation
DWR, the California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks), and CDFW maintain over 92 miles of trails in the Oroville area. An interactive map of recreation facilities, including open trails 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. Staffed by knowledgeable guides, the Lake Oroville 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. Lake Oroville is one of the State Water Project’s premier recreational destinations and one of California’s best fishing spots. The lake provides both warm-water and cold-water fisheries, with excellent bass fishing opportunities during the fall and winter months. Be sure to check CDFW fishing regulations before fishing. The marinas at Bidwell Canyon and Lime Saddle are open daily and provide a variety of services including a convenience store, gas, boat rentals, and more. Current Lake OperationsLake Oroville is at 875 feet elevation and storage is approximately 3.06 million acre-feet (MAF), which is 89 percent of its total capacity and 121 percent of the historical average. Feather River flows are at 2,500 cfs through the City of Oroville with 8,500 cfs being released from the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet (Outlet) for a total Feather River release of 11,000 cfs downstream. DWR continues to assess Feather River releases daily. 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 4/3/2025. ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to [email protected].  Flood Control Releases From Lake Oroville Ongoing The Department of Water Resources (DWR) continues federally required flood control releases from Lake Oroville to reduce flood risk for downstream communities. Water is being released through the Hyatt Powerplant for energy production and from Oroville Dam’s main spillway. DWR continues to conserve as much water supply as possible in coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Releases are subject to change based on ongoing weather conditions. Between October and June, DWR is required to operate Lake Oroville for flood control under federal Water Control Manual guidelines set by USACE. These federal regulations establish a set storage space that is reserved to capture inflows from rain and future snowmelt, while protecting downstream communities from damaging flood events through water releases. Releases to the Feather River are coordinated closely with USACE and other downstream water operators. Current reservoir levels are as follows, though estimates may change quickly:
Lake Oroville is the largest storage facility in the State Water Project, providing flood protection while supporting environmental and water delivery needs to 27 million Californians. Some water released from Lake Oroville is distributed locally for agriculture benefits, while the remaining Feather River releases flow south through the State Water Project system to reduce salinity effects in the Delta, provide irrigation for crops in the Central Valley, and eventually make their way to Southern California. DWR continues to monitor lake levels, weather forecasts, and mountain snow levels to optimize water storage while allowing for carryover storage into next year.  Oroville Wildflower & Nature Festival The Feather River Recreation & Park District (FRRPD) is hosting its annual Wildflower & Nature Festival at Riverbend Park in Oroville on Saturday, April 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free to the festival with activities highlighting the area’s natural resources and booths showcasing handmade Butte County products. Activities and entertainment will be available for all ages including children’s crafts, river kayak tours, live music, food trucks, and a beer and wine garden. Make sure to stop by DWR’s booth for information about native plants that inhabit local vernal pools and a craft activity for kids – making felt California poppies and tissue paper Butte County meadowfoam. More information about the Wildflower & Nature Festival is available on FRRPD’s website.  Feather River Fork Opens DWR’s Civil Maintenance staff have removed log booms from the south, middle, west, and north forks of the Feather River that feed into Lake Oroville, permitting access to recreation sites further upstream. During the winter months, crews use log booms to collect woody debris during high water inflow periods and prevent it from reaching the larger body of the lake. Crews will continue woody vegetation collection as water levels rise this spring at Lake Oroville. Floating debris removal ensures continued infrastructure operations and the safety of the recreating public on Lake Oroville. However, boaters and other water recreationists should take precautions when operating watercraft on Lake Oroville and should remain alert for floating debris.  Feather Falls A popular excursion at Lake Oroville during high-water level periods is to take a boat trip to the upper end of the Middle Fork Arm to view Feather Falls, a Yosemite-style waterfall of exquisite beauty. Along the way, there are many smaller waterfalls to see including some that tumble directly into Lake Oroville such as Bean Creek and Frey Creek. Bring a picnic lunch, a camera, and don’t forget your fishing pole. There are unlimited bass fishing opportunities along the route and trout fishing can also be good where the cold mountain streams enter the lake. Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout Stocking Over the last week, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) planted approximately 25,000 Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout averaging 10 to 12-inches in length at Lake Oroville. Approximately 18,400 trout were planted at Loafer Creek and approximately 6,600 trout were planted at Lime Saddle to support recreational fishing at Lake Oroville. These trout were sterilized so they cannot reproduce and were supplied by the Darrah Springs Hatchery. Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout are a subspecies of rainbow trout that are native to Eagle Lake in Lassen County. They are popular with anglers because of their fast growth and excellent table fare. More information about Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout is available on CDFW’s website.  Christmas Tree Fish Habitat
DWR, the California Conservation Corps (CCC), and CDFW installed fish habitat structures earlier this month at Lake Oroville and the Thermalito Afterbay using approximately 1,300 recycled Christmas trees. The trees were collected by Chico Boy Scout Troop 2 and delivered free of charge to DWR by Recology, a local waste management company. To create the habitats on Lake Oroville and the Thermalito Afterbay, members of the CCC team bundle the recycled Christmas trees together and anchor them in various locations around the lakebed. At Lake Oroville near the Bidwell Saddle Dam area, 744 trees were assembled into 35 structures. At the Thermalito Afterbay, 570 trees were assembled into 56 structures. Anchoring the trees allows them to remain submerged, providing juvenile fish safe refuge, and improving fisheries and recreational fishing opportunities. For more than 30 years, DWR has worked with local groups to construct fish habitat structures, which is one of the longest continuously running warmwater fish habitat improvement programs in the State of California. Current Lake OperationsLake Oroville is at 870 feet elevation and storage is approximately 2.97 million acre-feet (MAF), which is 87 percent of its total capacity and 120 percent of the historical average. Feather River flows are at 2,500 cfs through the City of Oroville with 8,500 cfs being released from the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet (Outlet) for a total Feather River release of 11,000 cfs downstream. DWR continues to assess Feather River releases daily. 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 3/27/2025. ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to [email protected].  Flood Control Releases From Lake Oroville Ongoing The Department of Water Resources (DWR) continues federally required flood control releases from Lake Oroville to maintain flood protection for downstream communities. Water is being released through the Hyatt Powerplant for energy production and from Oroville Dam’s main spillway. With wetter watershed conditions earlier in the week, DWR increased releases to 15,000 cubic feet per second (cfs), but reduced releases today as drier conditions returned. DWR continues to conserve as much water supply as possible in coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Releases are subject to change based on ongoing weather conditions. Between October and June, DWR is required to operate Lake Oroville for flood control under federal Water Control Manual guidelines set by USACE. These federal regulations establish a set storage space that is reserved to capture inflows from rain and future snowmelt, while protecting downstream communities from damaging flood events through water releases. Releases to the Feather River are coordinated closely with USACE and other downstream water operators. Current reservoir levels are as follows, though estimates may change quickly:
Lake Oroville is the largest storage facility in the State Water Project, providing flood protection while supporting environmental and water delivery needs to 27 million Californians. Some water released from Lake Oroville is distributed locally for agriculture benefits, while the remaining Feather River releases flow south through the State Water Project system to reduce salinity effects in the Delta, provide irrigation for crops in the Central Valley, and eventually make their way to Southern California. DWR continues to monitor lake levels, weather forecasts, and mountain snow levels to optimize water storage while allowing for carryover storage into next year.  Planned Water Fluctuations at the Oroville-Thermalito Complex Water levels at several locations within the Oroville-Thermalito Complex will fluctuate this weekend for planned concrete work on the River Valve Outlet System (RVOS) at Oroville Dam. Starting today, March 21, water levels at the Thermalito Afterbay will drop approximately 3 feet, while water levels at the Diversion Pool and Thermalito Forebay will be approximately 1 foot lower than usual. These water level fluctuations are within the standard operating range at these facilities, with water elevations returning to their usual level by Sunday evening. The lower water levels within the complex enable DWR to continue making progress on the RVOS at Oroville Dam. The system is a series of two parallel outlet conduits, each with two valves, that have the capacity to draw water from deep in Lake Oroville for release. The RVOS is a critical feature of the dam, providing the ability to discharge cold water to the Feather River to maintain water temperatures necessary for fish health. It also ensures the ability to maintain Feather River flows through RVOS releases during drought years, especially if reservoir levels drop below Hyatt Powerplant’s water intake structures. Eagle Lake Trout Stocking The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) planted approximately 25,000 Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout at Lake Oroville today to support recreational fishing. Approximately 18,400 trout were planted at Loafer Creek and approximately 6,600 trout were planted at Lime Saddle. The trout were supplied by the Darrah Springs Hatchery and are about 10 to 12-inches in size, sterile, and are native to Eagle Lake in Lassen County. More information about Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout is available on CDFW’s website.  Christmas Tree Fish Habitat DWR, the California Conservation Corps (CCC), and CDFW installed fish habitat structures earlier this month at Lake Oroville and the Thermalito Afterbay using approximately 1,300 recycled Christmas trees. The trees were collected by Chico Boy Scout Troop 2 and delivered free of charge to DWR by Recology, a local waste management company. To create the habitats on Lake Oroville and the Thermalito Afterbay, members of the CCC team bundle the recycled Christmas trees together and anchor them in various locations around the lakebed. At Lake Oroville near the Bidwell Saddle Dam area, 744 trees were assembled into 35 structures. At the Thermalito Afterbay, 570 trees were assembled into 56 structures. Anchoring the trees allows them to remain submerged, providing juvenile fish safe refuge, and improving fisheries and recreational fishing opportunities. For more than 30 years, DWR has worked with local groups to construct fish habitat structures, which is one of the longest continuously running warmwater fish habitat improvement programs in the State of California.  Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations at Lake Oroville Can Increase Region’s Resilience to Floods
A new report released last week shows that changes to reservoir operations at Lake Oroville and New Bullards Bar Reservoir can further reduce flood risk for communities along the Yuba and Feather rivers during extreme atmospheric river storm events and potentially benefit water supply during drier periods. The approach, known as Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations, or FIRO, uses improved monitoring, weather, and runoff projections to build more flexibility and efficiency into reservoir operations. In the largest FIRO assessment to date, DWR and Yuba Water Agency (Yuba Water) partnered with the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes (CW3E) at UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) Engineering Research and Development Center to evaluate if FIRO could be implemented at both reservoirs to reduce downstream flood risk without negatively impacting water supplies. Lake Oroville is managed by DWR and New Bullards Bar is managed by Yuba Water. Using historical forecasts, reservoir storage and river flow data, scientists found that FIRO, combined with a planned second spillway at New Bullards Bar, could provide additional flood storage capacity in the Yuba-Feather system and reduce downstream peak flows during prolonged storms like the 1986 and 1997 floods that devastated Yuba County. “California’s reservoirs play a critical role in safeguarding our communities from floods and maintaining our state’s water supply, especially as we continue to see more extreme weather events in the form of larger, wetter, and more frequent storms and longer, more severe periods of drought,” said DWR’s State Climatologist Dr. Michael Anderson. “The Yuba-Feather FIRO Viability Assessment is an important step toward improving flood protection to communities downstream while managing California’s valuable water resources for decades to come.” Learn more about the Yuba-Feather FIRO Final Viability Assessment in DWR’s news release. Current Lake OperationsLake Oroville is at 868 feet elevation and storage is approximately 2.96 million acre-feet (MAF), which is 86 percent of its total capacity and 123 percent of the historical average. Feather River flows are at 4,000 cfs through the City of Oroville with 8,500 cfs being released from the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet (Outlet) for a total Feather River release of 12,500 cfs downstream. On Sunday total Feather River flows will reduce to 11,500 cfs with flows through the City of Oroville at 3,000 cfs and flows from the Outlet at 8,500 cfs. DWR continues to assess Feather River releases daily. 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 3/20/2025. ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to [email protected].   Flood Control Releases From Lake Oroville Increased The Department of Water Resources (DWR) has increased federally required flood control releases from Lake Oroville to maintain flood protection for downstream communities. Water is being released through the Hyatt Powerplant for energy production and from Oroville Dam’s main spillway. Atmospheric rivers have delivered rain and snow to the Feather River watershed this week, elevating inflows into Lake Oroville and requiring increased flood control releases. DWR continues to conserve as much water supply as possible in coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Releases are subject to change based on ongoing weather conditions. Between October and June, DWR is required to operate Lake Oroville for flood control under federal Water Control Manual guidelines set by USACE. These federal regulations establish a set storage space that is reserved to capture inflows from rain and future snowmelt, while protecting downstream communities from damaging flood events through water releases. Releases to the Feather River are coordinated closely with USACE and other downstream water operators. Current reservoir levels are as follows, though estimates may change quickly:
Lake Oroville is the largest storage facility in the State Water Project, providing flood protection while supporting environmental and water delivery needs to 27 million Californians. Some water released from Lake Oroville is distributed locally for agriculture benefits, while the remaining Feather River releases flow south through the State Water Project system to reduce salinity effects in the Delta, provide irrigation for crops in the Central Valley, and eventually make their way to Southern California. DWR continues to monitor lake levels, weather forecasts, and mountain snow levels to optimize water storage while allowing for carryover storage into next year.  Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations at Lake Oroville Can Increase Region’s Resilience to Floods A new report released this week shows that changes to reservoir operations at Lake Oroville and New Bullards Bar Reservoir can further reduce flood risk for communities along the Yuba and Feather rivers during extreme atmospheric river storm events and potentially benefit water supply during drier periods. The approach, known as Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations, or FIRO, uses improved monitoring, weather, and runoff projections to build more flexibility and efficiency into reservoir operations. In the largest FIRO assessment to date, DWR and Yuba Water Agency (Yuba Water) partnered with the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes (CW3E) at UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) Engineering Research and Development Center to evaluate if FIRO could be implemented at both reservoirs to reduce downstream flood risk without negatively impacting water supplies. Lake Oroville is managed by DWR and New Bullards Bar is managed by Yuba Water. Using historical forecasts, reservoir storage and river flow data, scientists found that FIRO, combined with a planned second spillway at New Bullards Bar, could provide additional flood storage capacity in the Yuba-Feather system and reduce downstream peak flows during prolonged storms like the 1986 and 1997 floods that devastated Yuba County. “California’s reservoirs play a critical role in safeguarding our communities from floods and maintaining our state’s water supply, especially as we continue to see more extreme weather events in the form of larger, wetter, and more frequent storms and longer, more severe periods of drought,” said DWR’s State Climatologist Dr. Michael Anderson. “The Yuba-Feather FIRO Viability Assessment is an important step toward improving flood protection to communities downstream while managing California’s valuable water resources for decades to come.” Learn more about the Yuba-Feather FIRO Final Viability Assessment in DWR’s news release.  Ongoing Road Closure For Tree Removal DWR and its partners at the California Conservation Corps (CCC) and Butte County Sheriff’s Office continue the closure of a portion of Oro Dam Blvd. E. between Canyon Drive and Oro Powerhouse Road for tree and debris removal. A full road closure will continue to be in effect Monday through Thursday between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. March 17-20. DWR is taking advantage of the closure to drop and clear large hazard trees that were damaged by the July 2024 Thompson Fire, in addition to performing routine fuel load reduction activities to minimize fire risk in areas surrounding Lake Oroville. DWR’s Fuel Load Management Plan is dedicated to reducing wildfire risk, enhancing public safety, and improving forest health around Lake Oroville. During vegetation management activities some trails within the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area may be intermittently closed. Trail users should use caution in active work areas and follow all posted signage. Vegetation management remains a top priority for DWR and its partners, including CAL FIRE, the Butte County Fire Department, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, the CCC, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), State Parks, local tribes, and the Butte County Fire Safe Council.  Stop The Spread Of Golden Mussels
Boaters and recreationists can help combat the spread of a new invasive species recently discovered in California waterways – the golden mussel. Despite its flashy name, this species poses a significant threat to infrastructure and the ecological health of all state waterways. Golden mussels range from ¾ inches to 2 inches in size and have a light to dark yellowish-brown to brown-colored shell. When golden mussel populations are established, they are difficult to control since they can become very abundant and are easily spread to new waterbodies. If left unchecked, they can alter aquatic ecosystems by filter-feeding on planktonic algae and changing the habitat structure, impact water delivery systems by clogging small-diameter pipelines, screens, and filters, and impact recreation by fouling boat hulls and motors and clogging intakes and cooling lines. To prevent the spread of invasive mussels, DWR routinely monitors for these species and acts to prevent their spread to non-infested waters. When recreating on California’s waterways, always remember to:
Current Lake OperationsLake Oroville is at 864 feet elevation and storage is approximately 2.9 million acre-feet (MAF), which is 85 percent of its total capacity and 124 percent of the historical average. Feather River flows are at 900 cfs through the City of Oroville with 9,100 cfs being released from the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet (Outlet) for a total Feather River release of 10,000 cfs downstream. DWR continues to assess Feather River releases daily. 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 3/13/2025. ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to [email protected].  Flood Control Releases From Lake Oroville Continue The Department of Water Resources (DWR) continues federally required flood control releases from Lake Oroville to maintain flood protection for downstream communities. Water is being released through the Hyatt Powerplant for energy production and from Oroville Dam’s main spillway. With drier watershed conditions returning, DWR has reduced releases from Lake Oroville to conserve as much water supply as possible in coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Releases are subject to change based on ongoing weather conditions. Between October and June, DWR is required to operate Lake Oroville for flood control under federal Water Control Manual guidelines set by USACE. These federal regulations establish a set storage space that is reserved to capture inflows from rain and future snowmelt, while protecting downstream communities from damaging flood events through water releases. Releases to the Feather River are coordinated closely with USACE and other downstream water operators. Current reservoir levels are as follows, though estimates may change quickly:
Lake Oroville is the largest storage facility in the State Water Project, providing flood protection while supporting environmental and water delivery needs to 27 million Californians. Some water released from Lake Oroville is distributed locally for agriculture benefits, while the remaining Feather River releases flow south through the State Water Project system to reduce salinity effects in the Delta, provide irrigation for crops in the Central Valley, and eventually make their way to Southern California. DWR continues to monitor lake levels, weather forecasts, and mountain snow levels to optimize water storage while allowing for carryover storage into next year. Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission The California Natural Resources Agency hosted its 19th Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission meeting on March 7. In addition to public comment, the Commission received presentations from the Sutter Butte Flood Control Agency and the City of Oroville on the status of the City of Oroville’s levee, an explanation of the typical components of Water Control Manuals from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and an update on the Commission’s 2025 Legislative Report. The Citizens Advisory Commission is a forum for questions and feedback from the communities surrounding Oroville Dam. For information on the meeting, please visit the Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission website. A transcript of the virtual meeting will be available on the webpage in the coming weeks.  Road Closure For Tree Removal DWR and its partners at the California Conservation Corps (CCC) and Butte County Sheriff’s Office are closing a portion of Oro Dam Blvd. E. between Canyon Drive and Oro Powerhouse Road for tree and debris removal. A full road closure will be in effect Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. March 10-14 and March 17-21. DWR is taking advantage of the closure to drop and clear large hazard trees that were damaged by the July 2024 Thompson Fire, in addition to performing routine fuel load reduction activities to minimize fire risk in areas surrounding Lake Oroville. DWR’s Fuel Load Management Plan is dedicated to reducing wildfire risk, enhancing public safety, and improving forest health around Lake Oroville. During vegetation management activities some trails within the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area may be intermittently closed. Trail users should use caution in active work areas and follow all posted signage. Vegetation management remains a top priority for DWR and its partners, including CAL FIRE, the Butte County Fire Department, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, the CCC, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), State Parks, local tribes, and the Butte County Fire Safe Council.  Stop The Spread Of Golden Mussels Boaters and recreationists can help combat the spread of a new invasive species recently discovered in California waterways – the golden mussel. Despite its flashy name, this species poses a significant threat to infrastructure and the ecological health of all state waterways. Golden mussels range from ¾ inches to 2 inches in size and have a light to dark yellowish-brown to brown-colored shell. When golden mussel populations are established, they are difficult to control since they can become very abundant and are easily spread to new waterbodies. If left unchecked, they can alter aquatic ecosystems by filter-feeding on planktonic algae and changing the habitat structure, impact water delivery systems by clogging small-diameter pipelines, screens, and filters, and impact recreation by fouling boat hulls and motors and clogging intakes and cooling lines. To prevent the spread of invasive mussels, DWR routinely monitors for these species and acts to prevent their spread to non-infested waters. When recreating on California’s waterways, always remember to:
 Partial Thermalito Afterbay Closure
Speed boat time trials are returning to the Thermalito Afterbay March 8-9. The event requires the closure of the southern portion of the Afterbay (south of Highway 162), the Monument Hill boat ramp, and the Larkin Road cartop boat launch. The Wilbur Road boat ramp and areas north of Hwy 162 will remain open for public use during the boating event. The event is hosted by the Northern California Outboard Association and East Bay Boat Club and features a mile-long course. Time trial events are expected Saturday and Sunday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. depending on weather and water conditions. More information about the event can be found on the American Power Boat Association webpage. Current Lake OperationsLake Oroville is at 862 feet elevation and storage is approximately 2.88 million acre-feet (MAF), which is 84 percent of its total capacity and 126 percent of the historical average. Feather River flows are at 900 cfs through the City of Oroville with 6,700 cfs being released from the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet (Outlet) for a total Feather River release of 7,600 cfs downstream. DWR continues to assess Feather River releases daily. 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 3/6/2025. ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to [email protected].  Flood Control Releases From Lake Oroville Continue The Department of Water Resources (DWR) continues federally required flood control releases from Lake Oroville to maintain flood protection for downstream communities. Water is being released through the Hyatt Powerplant for energy production and from Oroville Dam’s main spillway. With drier watershed conditions returning, DWR has reduced releases from Lake Oroville to conserve as much water supply as possible in coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Releases are subject to change based on ongoing weather conditions. Between October and June, DWR is required to operate Lake Oroville for flood control under federal Water Control Manual guidelines set by USACE. These federal regulations establish a set storage space that is reserved to capture inflows from rain and future snowmelt, while protecting downstream communities from damaging flood events through water releases. Releases to the Feather River are coordinated closely with USACE and other downstream water operators. The information below reflects current reservoir level estimates. Forecasts can change quickly and may affect the estimates provided.
The Lake Oroville reservoir is the largest storage facility in the State Water Project, providing flood protection while supporting environmental and water delivery needs to 27 million Californians. Some water released from Lake Oroville is distributed locally for agriculture benefits, while the remaining Feather River releases flow south through the State Water Project system to reduce salinity effects in the Delta, provide irrigation for crops in the Central Valley, and eventually make their way to Southern California. DWR continues to monitor lake levels, weather forecasts, and mountain snow levels to optimize water storage while allowing for carryover storage into next year.  Trails Reopen After Thompson Fire DWR and the California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) have reopened additional Lake Oroville State Recreation Area trails that were damaged by the July 2024 Thompson Fire. State Parks has rebuilt the Potter’s Ravine foot bridge, which will also permit public access to the North Fork trail. In addition, the east portions of the Brad Freeman and Dan Beebe trails from the base of Oroville Dam’s main spillway to Canyon Drive have reopened. DWR and State Parks continue to assess fire impacts to recreation facilities and prioritize recovery efforts. Trail users should remain alert during recreation activities as State Parks continues trail repairs and brush removal using heavy equipment. Closures remain in effect at the following locations:
DWR, State Parks, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) maintain over 92 miles of trails in the Oroville area. An interactive map of recreation facilities, including open trails 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. Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission The California Natural Resources Agency is hosting its 19th Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission meeting on Friday, March 7 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The virtual public meeting will include presentations and an opportunity for public comment. Presentations will cover a briefing from the Sutter Butte Flood Control Agency and the City of Oroville on the status of the Oroville levee, an explanation of the typical components of Water Control Manuals from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and an update on the Commission’s 2025 Legislative Report. The Citizens Advisory Commission is a forum for questions and feedback from communities surrounding Oroville Dam. For information about the meeting, please visit the Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission website.  Partial Thermalito Afterbay Closure Speed boat time trials are returning to the Thermalito Afterbay March 8-9. The event requires the closure of the southern portion of the Afterbay (south of Highway 162), the Monument Hill boat ramp, and the Larkin Road cartop boat launch. The Wilbur Road boat ramp and areas north of Hwy 162 will remain open for public use during the boating event. The event is hosted by the Northern California Outboard Association and East Bay Boat Club and features a mile-long course. Time trial events are expected Saturday and Sunday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. depending on weather and water conditions. More information about the event can be found on the American Power Boat Association webpage.  Road Closure For Tree Removal
DWR and its partners at the California Conservation Corps (CCC) and Butte County Sheriff’s Office are closing a portion of Oro Dam Blvd. E. between Canyon Drive and Oro Powerhouse Road for tree and debris removal. A full road closure will be in effect Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. March 10-14 and March 17-21. DWR is taking advantage of the closure to drop and clear large hazard trees that were damaged by the July 2024 Thompson Fire, in addition to performing routine fuel load reduction activities to minimize fire risk in areas surrounding Lake Oroville. DWR’s Fuel Load Management Plan is dedicated to reducing wildfire risk, enhancing public safety, and improving forest health around Lake Oroville. During vegetation management activities some trails within the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area may be intermittently closed. Trail users should use caution in active work areas and follow all posted signage. Vegetation management remains a top priority for DWR and its partners, including CAL FIRE, the Butte County Fire Department, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, the CCC, CDFW, State Parks, local tribes, and the Butte County Fire Safe Council. Current Lake OperationsLake Oroville is at 862 feet elevation and storage is approximately 2.87million acre-feet (MAF), which is 84 percent of its total capacity and 130 percent of the historical average. Feather River flows are at 1,600 cfs through the City of Oroville with 8,800 cfs being released from the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet (Outlet) for a total Feather River release of 10,400 cfs downstream. Total Feather River releases will decrease to 10,100 cfs on March 1 with flows through the City of Oroville reduced to 1,300 cfs. DWR continues to assess Feather River releases daily. 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 2/27/2025. ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to [email protected].  Flood Control Releases from Lake Oroville Continue The Department of Water Resources (DWR) continues federally required flood control releases from Lake Oroville to maintain flood protection for downstream communities. Water is being released through the Hyatt Powerplant for energy production and from Oroville Dam’s main spillway. With drier weather returning and reduced inflows into Lake Oroville, DWR has decreased total Feather River flood control releases to 13,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). Releases are subject to change based on ongoing weather conditions. Between October and June, DWR is required to operate Lake Oroville for flood control under federal Water Control Manual guidelines set by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. These federal regulations establish a set storage space that is reserved to capture inflows from rain and future snowmelt, while protecting downstream communities from damaging flood events through coordinated releases. To maintain this storage space, DWR is required to release water from Lake Oroville. Releases to the Feather River are coordinated closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other downstream water operators. Feather River recreation users are advised to remain alert as river flows are expected to be swift and cold and may change based on projected weather forecasts. The information below reflects current reservoir level estimates. Forecasts can change quickly and may affect the estimates provided. Current Oroville Reservoir Level: 862.5 feet elevation Current Storage Capacity: 84 percent Total Releases to the Feather River: 13,000 cfs The Lake Oroville reservoir is the largest storage facility in the State Water Project, providing flood protection while supporting environmental and water delivery needs to 27 million Californians. Some water released from Lake Oroville is distributed locally for agriculture benefits, while the remaining Feather River releases flow south through the State Water Project system to reduce salinity effects in the Delta, provide irrigation for crops in the Central Valley, and eventually make their way to Southern California. DWR continues to monitor lake levels, weather forecasts, and mountain snow levels to optimize water storage while allowing for carryover storage into next year.  Road Closure for Tree Removal DWR and its partners at the California Conservation Corps (CCC) and Butte County Sheriff’s Office are closing a portion of Oro Dam Blvd. E. between Canyon Drive and Oro Powerhouse Road for tree and debris removal. A full road closure will be in effect Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. March. 10-14 and March 17-21. DWR is taking advantage of the closure to drop and clear large hazard trees that were damaged by the July 2024 Thompson Fire, in addition to performing routine fuel load reduction activities to minimize fire risk in areas surrounding Lake Oroville. DWR’s Fuel Load Management Plan is dedicated to reducing wildfire risk, enhancing public safety, and improving forest health around Lake Oroville. During vegetation management activities some trails within the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area may be intermittently closed. Trail users should use caution in active work areas and follow all posted signage. Vegetation management remains a top priority for DWR and its partners, including CAL FIRE, the Butte County Fire Department, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, the CCC, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks), local tribes, and the Butte County Fire Safe Council.  Brood Ponds Support Native Wildlife Within the Oroville-Thermalito Complex, DWR maintains several areas that preserve and enhance wildlife habitat. Encompassed within the Thermalito Afterbay’s 17 miles of shoreline and 4,300 surface acres of water are numerous brood ponds that provide prime habitat and breeding areas for waterfowl and giant garter snakes, a protected species. While water levels at the Afterbay may fluctuate based on agriculture and hydropower operations, DWR ensures brood pond habitats remain stable. A flap gate outlet system permits water to flow into brood pond areas, raising water levels while preventing water from being released and maintaining a stable elevation for waterfowl nests and giant garter snakes. These measures ensure these species continue to thrive, upholding DWR’s commitment to protect, restore, and enhance the natural and human environments.  Oroville Recreation
DWR, State Parks, and CDFW maintain over 92 miles of trails in the Oroville area. An interactive map of recreation facilities, including open trails 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. Staffed by knowledgeable guides, the Lake Oroville 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. Upstream migrating fish totals through the Feather River Fish Monitoring Station between Jan. 1 and Jan. 29, 2025 are: Fall-run Chinook salmon: 23 Steelhead: 63 Ahead of anticipated increased river flows at the fish monitoring station, monitoring equipment has been removed, which will impact count estimates. To see previous year data, visit CalFish.org. Current Lake Operations Lake Oroville is at 862.5 feet elevation and storage is approximately 2.87million acre-feet (MAF), which is 84 percent of its total capacity and 132 percent of the historical average. Feather River flows are at 3,000 cfs through the City of Oroville with 10,000 cfs being released from the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet (Outlet) for a total Feather River release of 13,000 cfs downstream. DWR continues to assess Feather River releases daily. 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 2/20/2025. ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to [email protected]. |
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