August 22, 2019Spillway Boat Ramp Area Reopening and Labor Day ScheduleDWR and California State Parks recently announced expanded Labor Day Weekend operating hours for the Spillway Boat Ramp Area. The facilities will be open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Labor Day, September 2. The Spillway Boat Ramp, the largest boat ramp facility at Lake Oroville, currently has 12 boat launch lanes with three loading docks available for use. Once lake levels drop below 820 feet, leaving the upper ramp above the water line, a lower boat ramp with eight boat launch lanes will be available. Hikers, bicyclists and equestrians can enjoy the Potter’s Ravine, North Fork and Dead Cow Ravine trails, which are accessible from the Spillway Boat Ramp facilities. The Day Use Area with picnic tables and restrooms is also open to the public.
As a reminder, the Spillway Boat Ramp area and parking lots are open to the public Friday through Sunday from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. The area remains closed Monday through Thursday, except for the Labor Day holiday, to accommodate ongoing construction. DWR plans to open the Spillway Boat Ramp seven days a week this fall once major construction activities are completed, although access may be restricted again once construction ramps back up in spring 2020.
For details, visit: https://water.ca.gov/News/News-Releases/2019/August-19/Lake-Oroville-Spillway-Boat-Ramp-Area-to-Remain-Open-for-Labor-Day.
Correction: Aug. 16 Update stated 720 for the lake level when the 12 boat launch lanes can no longer be used. It should have read 820 feet.
Noise Advisory for Visitors to Oroville DamVisitors to the Oroville Dam are advised that a testing device emitting occasional loud sounds will be in use until August 28 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Traffic delays over the spillway bridge may occur this weekend for several minutes while testing is taking place. This testing will provide DWR with data for assessments of the main spillway structures. Workers performing the testing will be visible at the site.
Construction Speed Limit Lifted on Oro Dam Boulevard EastButte County Public Works staff has returned Oro Dam Boulevard East to pre-construction speed limits between Glen Drive and Oro Powerhouse Road. Drivers are advised to be aware of roadway workers and to obey the newly posted speed limits.
Harmful Algal Bloom UpdateThere are currently no Harmful Algal Bloom advisories for Lake Oroville, the Thermalito Forebay, or the Thermalito Afterbay. If elevated levels of cyanobacteria toxins are found, DWR staff work with California’s Regional Water Quality Control Board and recreation area managers to notify the public and post advisory signs at affected waterbodies.
View the locations where harmful algal blooms have been reported, visit: https://mywaterquality.ca.gov/habs/where/freshwater_events.html.
Public Access to Top of DamWalkers, joggers and bicyclists continue to enjoy daily access to the pedestrian lane on the lakeside of Dam Crest Road from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., as well as parking at the Upper Overlook. For safety considerations, the public can only drive across Dam Crest Road in alignment with the operating hours of the Spillway Boat Ramp, which are Friday through Sunday from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Dam Crest Road is closed to public vehicle access Monday through Thursday to accommodate ongoing construction, excepting the Labor Day holiday on September 2.
For more information, visit: https://water.ca.gov/News/News-Releases/2019/June/Oroville-Dam-Crest-Road-Reopening-to-Public.
Fish Return to the Feather Fish HatcheryGood news, the Feather Fish Hatchery is now open! The young steelhead fish have been returned to the Feather River Fish Hatchery from the Thermalito Annex Complex in Oroville after routine maintenance and inspections to the facility. The fish ladder and ladder viewing window are anticipated to open on September 15.
Check out the news release for more details, at https://water.ca.gov/News/News-Releases/2019/July-19/Feather-River-Fish-Hatchery-to-Close-for-Maintenance.
Lake LevelThe current elevation of Oroville reservoir is 847 feet, and water releases from Hyatt Powerplant are approximately 10,100 cubic feet per second (cfs). Releases to the river from Lake Oroville supplement the natural flows of the Feather River to meet environmental needs, salinity standards, and south of Delta State Water Project exports. Coordinated releases from the federal Central Valley Project and the State Water Project from Lake Oroville help to balance conditions throughout the Sacramento Valley watershed.
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August 8, 2019Lake Oroville Community UpdateSpillway Boat Ramp Reopening 
Oroville residents and visitors received great news today as the Department of Water Resources announced the reopening of the Spillway Boat Ramp area on Lake Oroville. Beginning Friday, August 9, the Spillway Boat Ramp area will be open to the public Friday through Sunday from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Boat Ramp area will remain closed Monday through Thursday as construction activities continue.
The Spillway Boat Ramp is the largest boat ramp facility at Lake Oroville with two stages of multi-lane boat ramps and a total of 20 launch lanes depending on lake levels. DWR has repaved the parking lot and portions of the boat ramp lanes to increase access. The area also includes the trailhead to a network of multi-use trails for hikers, bikers and equestrians.  
For details, visit: https://water.ca.gov/News/News-Releases/2019/August-19/Oroville-Dam-Spillway-Boat-Ramp-Reopening-to-Public.
Lake Level
The current elevation of Oroville reservoir is 864 feet, and water releases from Hyatt Powerplant are approximately 9,100 cubic feet per second (cfs). Releases to the river from Lake Oroville supplement the natural flows of the Feather River to meet environmental needs, salinity standards, and south of Delta State Water Project exports. Coordinated releases from the federal Central Valley Project and the State Water Project from Lake Oroville help to balance conditions throughout the Sacramento Valley watershed.
Public Access to Top of Dam
Walkers, joggers and bicyclists continue to enjoy access to the pedestrian lane on the lakeside of Dam Crest Road from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week, as well as parking at the Upper Overlook. For safety considerations, the public can only drive across Dam Crest Road in alignment with the operating hours of the Spillway Boat Ramp, which is Friday through Sunday from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Dam Crest Road is restricted from public vehicle access Monday through Thursday.
For more information, visit: https://water.ca.gov/News/News-Releases/2019/June/Oroville-Dam-Crest-Road-Reopening-to-Public. 
Fish Return to the Feather Fish Hatchery
The Feather River Fish Hatchery in Oroville has been closed for routine maintenance and inspections, requiring temporary relocation of young steelhead fish to the Thermalito Annex complex. The fish have been successfully returned to the Hatchery which will re-open to the public on August 15. 
Check out the news release for more details, at https://water.ca.gov/News/News-Releases/2019/July-19/Feather-River-Fish-Hatchery-to-Close-for-Maintenance.
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Lake Oroville Community Update
July 12, 2019
Lake Level
Water releases from Hyatt Powerplant are approximately 7,495 cubic feet per second (cfs). The current elevation of Oroville reservoir is 888 feet. As we continue through summer, DWR will increase releases to the river from Lake Oroville to supplement the natural flows of the Feather River to meet environmental needs, salinity standards, and south of Delta State Water Project exports. Coordinated releases from the federal Central Valley Project and the State Water Project from Lake Oroville help balance conditions throughout the Sacramento Valley watershed. Current weather forecasts and expected inflow will not require the use of Oroville’s main spillway. If DWR determines that it is necessary to use the main spillway, in addition to Hyatt Powerplant, DWR will notify the public and media.
Road Closures Near Oroville Dam Begin July 15
Contractors will begin road work on Glen Drive on July 15 and Oroville Dam Blvd. East July 19 to improve the roadway surface impacted by installation of a new fiber optic conduit running from the Operations and Maintenance Center at the Oroville Field Division to the Hyatt Powerplant Complex. Paving and road maintenance is expected to last two weeks and will result in periodic road closures and traffic delays.
Check out the map below or the news release for more details, at https://water.ca.gov/News/News-Releases/2019/July-19/Road-Closures-Near-Oroville-Dam-Begin-July-15

Feather Fish Hatchery Maintenance Closure
As a reminder, the Feather River Fish Hatchery in Oroville was closed this week and will remain closed to the public for approximately four weeks for routine maintenance and inspections.
Every five years, DWR and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) perform inspections and maintenance of the hatchery. This work requires shutting off the water supply to the hatchery and moving all fish out of the hatchery. Accordingly, the Chinook salmon raised in the hatchery for Lake Oroville were planted in the Lake and the steelhead were transported to the Thermalito Annex hatchery facility. Once maintenance work is complete, the steelhead will be transported back to the Feather River Fish Hatchery where they will remain until February of 2020 and then released to the Feather River. During the closure, the fish ladder will be closed preventing any adult Chinook salmon from entering the facility.
Check out the news release for more details, at https://water.ca.gov/News/News-Releases/2019/July-19/Feather-River-Fish-Hatchery-to-Close-for-Maintenance.
Spillway Boat Ramp Reopening
Later this summer, DWR will reopen public access to the Spillway Boat Ramp. The boat launch and parking lots will be open to the public Friday through Sunday from 5 AM to 11 PM beginning Friday, August 2, 2019. The Spillway Boat Ramp will remain closed Monday through Thursday to accommodate ongoing construction. DWR plans to open the boat ramp seven days a week this fall once major construction activities are completed, although access may be restricted again once construction ramps back up in early 2020. New security measures are currently being updated in coordination with local and state law enforcement agencies including the California Highway Patrol, Butte County Sheriff’s Office, California State Parks and Cal OES.
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July 4, 2019
Happy Independence Day! 
​Lake Levels
Water releases from Hyatt Powerplant are approximately 7,500 cubic feet per second (cfs). The current elevation of Oroville reservoir is 893 feet. As we move into summer, DWR increases releases to the river from Lake Oroville to supplement the natural flows in order to meet environmental flows, salinity standards, and south of Delta State Water Project exports. Releases from the federal Central Valley Project and the State Water Project from Lake Oroville help balance conditions. Current weather forecasts and expected inflow will not require the use of Oroville’s main spillway. If DWR determines that it is necessary to use the main spillway, in addition to Hyatt Powerplant, DWR will notify the public and media.
Fourth of July Celebration in Oroville
Several local partners including DWR, the Rotary Club of Oroville, California State Parks and more are hosting a fireworks show at the Thermalito North Forebay recreation area, as well as at the nearby Feather River Recreation and Park District's Nelson Sports Complex, on July 4. Activities will start at 4 p.m. and continue through 8 p.m. The fireworks display will start 30 minutes after sunset. Check out the event’s Facebook page for the latest information: https://www.facebook.com/events/688980548216637/.
Update on Lake Oroville Algae Bloom
The “Caution Advisory” for algae blooms in the Middle Fork of Lake Oroville has been lifted after lab tests found no toxins in the blooms. Visitors to area waterways are advised to avoid algae or scum in the water which can be hazardous to pets and people, especially children.
Watch for advisory notices, which will be posted at all boat launch facilities and water recreation sites. For more information, visit the California Water Boards website at https://mywaterquality.ca.gov/habs/index.html. As always, have fun and be safe!
DWR Reopening Public Access to Top of Oroville Dam
Thank you to everyone who came out for the reopening of Oroville Dam Crest Road (also known as Oroville Dam Road) on Saturday, June 29. Check out the video from the Dam Crest Road reopening: https://youtu.be/4tworN-Wxxk. We’re happy to be able to reopen this popular and important recreation attraction.
The Dam Crest Road, as well as parking at the Upper Overlook, is open to the public from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. For safety considerations, the community is required to use the pedestrian lane on the lakeside of Dam Crest Road. The public will not be able to drive across the top of the dam at this time. For more information, visit: https://water.ca.gov/News/News-Releases/2019/June/Oroville-Dam-Crest-Road-Reopening-to-Public.
Spillway Boat Ramp Reopening
Later this summer, DWR will reopen public access to the Spillway Boat Ramp. The boat launch and parking lots will be open to the public Friday through Sunday during daylight hours beginning in early August 2019. The Spillway Boat Ramp will remain closed Monday through Thursday to accommodate ongoing construction. DWR plans to open it 7 days a week this fall once major construction activities are completed although access may be restricted again once construction ramps back up. The California Highway Patrol will staff new security kiosks at the south end of the Dam Crest Road and before crossing the over the main spillway vehicle bridge. New security measures are currently being updated in coordination with local and state law enforcement agencies including the CHP, Butte County Sheriff’s Office, California State Parks and Cal OES.
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June 27, 2019
Oroville Operations Update
​DWR Reopening Public Access to Top of Oroville Dam
DWR will reopen public access to the top of the dam, Oroville Dam Crest Road (a.k.a. Oro Dam Blvd.) on Saturday, June 29 for pedestrians, bicyclists and persons with disabilities. 
The public will have access to the pedestrian lane on the lakeside of Dam Crest Road from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week, as well as parking at the Upper Overlook. For safety considerations, the public will not be able to drive across the top of the dam.
For more information, visit: https://water.ca.gov/News/News-Releases/2019/June/Oroville-Dam-Crest-Road-Reopening-to-Public
Portions of Lake Oroville State Recreation Area Closed for Filming Tomorrow
DWR and California State Parks are closing a portion of the middle fork of Lake Oroville and the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area tomorrow, June 28, due to commercial filming of low-level aerial flying operations.
The closed area extends from Bidwell Bar Bridge to Feather Falls. Other than the occasional noise from aerial operations, there will be no impacts to Lake Oroville’s boat launching or camping facilities. DWR and California State Parks apologize for any inconvenience to visitors. 
Lake Levels
Water releases from Hyatt Powerplant are approximately 4,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). The current elevation of Oroville reservoir is 895 feet. If DWR determines that it is necessary to use the main spillway, in addition to Hyatt Powerplant, DWR will notify the public and media.
Fourth of July Celebration in Oroville
Several local partners including DWR, the Rotary Club of Oroville, California State Parks and more are hosting a fireworks show at the Thermalito North Forebay recreation area, as well as at the nearby Feather River Recreation and Park District's Nelson Sports Complex, on July 4. Activities will start at the Sports Complex at 4 p.m. and continue through 8 p.m. The fireworks display will start 30 minutes after sunset. Follow the event’s Facebook page at Lake Oroville Fireworks for the latest information.
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Almost every Saturday of the month the Lake Oroville Visitor's Center hosts a guided Saturday Morning Nature Walk that is easy enough for all ages. This week on June 29 the hike will take you to Kelly Ridge Point.

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

If you have any questions about hiking in the Oroville Area, please contact the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce at (530) 538-2542 or email at info@orovillechamber.com.

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