July 3, 2020


Local Recreation Areas Plan for Busy Holiday Weekend    
Lake Oroville and the North and South Forebay boat ramps, parking lots, and day use areas are open. The Oroville Dam Spillway Boat Ramp area is open 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. with other LOSRA boat ramps open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Trails and Day Use Areas are open from 8 a.m. to sunset. Floating campsites and group campsites are not currently available to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Additionally, Lake Oroville’s boat-in campsites are not available for camping until Sunday, July 5. To make a reservation, visit www.ReserveCalifornia.com or call 800-444-7275. For more information about camping, visit www.parks.ca.gov/COVID19Camping. 

For July 2nd – July 5th only, trailered boat launching is restricted at the Larkin Road Boat Ramp, and only launching of car-top boats is allowed. The Oroville Wildlife Area, including the Thermalito Afterbay, is open 1.5 hours before sunrise to one hour after sunset, including the 4th of July weekend. The Lake Oroville Visitors Center remains closed to protect public health. Information and an interactive map of Lake Oroville and OWA recreation facilities is available on the Department of Water Resources (DWR) Lake Oroville Recreation webpage.

California Department of Parks and Recreation (CA Parks) encourages visitors to practice physical distancing and avoid congregating with people outside their immediate household. The state now requires face coverings indoors and outdoors when you cannot maintain a safe 6-foot distance from people outside of your immediate household. Additional information regarding public health practices and requirements is available on the LOSRA webpage.

Oroville to Celebrate Fourth of July with Fireworks Display
The City of Oroville’s Noon Rotary Club fireworks will begin at approximately 9 p.m. on July Fourth and will be launched from the Oroville Airport. A Red Flag (severe fire danger) Warning from the National Weather Service for July Fourth will cancel the display.

Viewers are encouraged to observe the show from their homes, if possible, or higher locations throughout the City and surrounding area. Participants must abide by physical distancing and face covering requirements to protect public health. The Clay Pit State Vehicular Recreation Area will close at sunset on Friday, July 3 and remain closed until 8 a.m. Sunday, July 5. The OWA will also maintain normal operating hours on July Fourth: 1.5 hours before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset. Please visit the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce website for information.

An American Icon Calls Lake Oroville Home
Did you know that seven nesting pairs of bald eagles call Lake Oroville home? This year they are successfully raising nine young eaglets, many of whom have grown their feathers and are now able to fly. Lake Oroville provides prime habitat for bald eagles with tall trees and access to one of their primary food sources – fish. Discover how DWR Environmental Scientists help protect our Oroville eagles on the DWR Updates webpage.

“New’ Trails Around Thermalito Diversion Pool
Trails on the north side of the Thermalito Diversion Pool, previously closed for the Oroville Dam Spillways Reconstruction Project, are open for hikers and bikers, including from Burma Road to the Spillway Boat Ramp area and North Fork Trails. A new trail access parking lot has been constructed west of the Kelly Ridge Power Plant on the south side of the Diversion Pool. The graveled parking lot is accessible from Oro Powerhouse Road (off Oro Dam Boulevard East) and provides access to hiking, biking, and fishing opportunities. Boating is not allowed in this upstream area of the Diversion Pool, but boating is allowed on the Diversion Pool further downstream, with access from the Burma Road car-top boat launch off of Cherokee Road. Boating is limited to kayaks, canoes, and other non-gas-powered boats.

Oroville Area Algal Blooms Status
DWR environmental scientists regularly monitor Lake Oroville, the Thermalito North Forebay, and the Thermalito Afterbay for blue-green algae and their toxins. There are currently no Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) 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. To learn more about HABs, visit the Water Board’s website and DWR’s digital article on the DWR Updates webpage.

DWR Water Education Program Educates Youth Online This Summer
Missing Summer Camp? Join DWR’s virtual Summer Camp. DWR Staff will be providing fun activities relating to DWR’s recent Water Wednesday’s videos. The family-friendly programs are designed for kids 10 to 14 but are appropriate for anyone who would like to learn more about California’s water resources. Each video is available on DWR’s YouTube channel and a listing of all the program’s episodes can be found by clicking the Playlists tab. Activity suggestions and information can be found in the video’s comment section as they are added each week.

Current Lake Operations
The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 796 feet and storage is about 2.15 million acre-feet. Daily average inflows to the lake have ranged between 1,625 cfs (cubic feet per second) to 2,242 over the past week.

Dry conditions and very warm temperatures continue this weekend and into the week of July 6. The Northern Sierra Basin rainfall totals remains below average for the year, at 63 percent of normal of year.

The total releases to Feather River are 3,300 cfs to meet downstream Bay-Delta water quality and flow standards. Flows through the City of Oroville are about 650 cfs for and flows from the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet.

All data as of midnight 7/2/2019

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Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.

June 26, 2020


Lake Oroville State Recreation Area Opens Individual and Horse Campgrounds
California Department of Parks and Recreation (CA Parks) announced camping is available at all individual family campsites at the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA), including equestrian campgrounds at Loafer Creek. Floating campsites and group campsites are not currently available to reduce the spread of COVID-19. To make a reservation, visit www.ReserveCalifornia.com or call 800-444-7275. For more information about camping, visit www.parks.ca.gov/COVID19Camping. 

CA Parks encourages visitors to continue to practice physical distancing and avoid congregating with people outside their immediate household. The state now requires face coverings indoors and outdoors when you cannot maintain a safe 6-foot distance from people outside of your immediate household. Additional information regarding public health practices and requirements is available on the LOSRA webpage.

Lake Oroville and the North and South Forebay boat ramps, parking lots, and day use areas are open. The Oroville Dam Spillway Boat Ramp area is open 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. with other Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) boat ramps open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Trails and Day Use Areas are open from 8 a.m. to sunset. The Lake Oroville Visitors Center remains closed to protect public health. Information and an interactive map of Lake Oroville recreation facilities is available on the Department of Water Resources (DWR) Lake Oroville Recreation webpage.

Oroville to Celebrate Fourth of July with Fireworks Display
The City of Oroville’s Noon Rotary Club fireworks will begin at approximately 9 p.m. on July Fourth and will be launched from the Oroville Airport. Viewers are encouraged to observe the show from their homes, if possible, or higher locations throughout the City and surrounding area. Participants must abide by physical distancing and face covering requirements to protect public health – especially if unable to maintain a six-foot distance from others not in your household. Information can be found on the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce website. A Red Flag (severe fire danger) Warning from the National Weather Service for July Fourth will cancel the display.

DWR Water Education Program Educates Youth Online This Summer
Missing Summer Camp? Join DWR virtual Summer Camp starting the week of July 29. As part of the virtual Summer Camp, DWR Staff will be providing fun activities relating to each Water Wednesday’s video, starting with “Home Sweet Home: Where the Native Fish Roam”.

The family-friendly programs are designed for kids 10 to 14 but are appropriate for anyone who would like to learn more about California’s water resources. Each video is available on DWR’s YouTube channel and a listing of all the program’s episodes can be found by clicking the Playlists tab. Activity suggestions and information can be found in the video’s comment section as they are added each week.

‘New’ Trails Around Thermalito Diversion Pool
Trails on the north side of the Thermalito Diversion Pool, previously closed for the Oroville Dam Spillways Reconstruction Project, are open for hikers and bikers. Visitors are now able to travel from Burma Road to the Spillway Boat Ramp area and North Fork Trails. Partnering with CA Parks, DWR has improved and re-aligned trails in the area, both on the north and south sides of the Diversion Pool, including sections of the Brad Freeman Trail. This trail ‘switchbacks’ up a new hill made from rock and dirt left over from the spillways project, providing beautiful views of the Valley, Table Mountain, and the Diversion Pool.

On the south side of the Diversion Pool, DWR constructed a new trail access parking lot west of the Kelly Ridge Power Plant. The graveled parking lot is accessible from Oro Powerhouse Road (off Oro Dam Boulevard East) and provides access to hiking, biking, and fishing opportunities. Boating is not allowed in this upstream area of the Diversion Pool, but boating is allowed on the Diversion Pool further downstream, with access from the Burma Road car-top boat launch off of Cherokee Road. Boating is limited to kayaks, canoes, and other non-gas-powered boats.

Oroville Area Algal Blooms Status
DWR environmental scientists regularly monitor Lake Oroville, the Thermalito North Forebay, and the Thermalito Afterbay for blue-green algae and their toxins. There are currently no Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) 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. To learn more about HABs, visit the Water Board’s website.

Current Lake Operations
The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 802 feet and storage is about 2.22 million acre-feet. Daily average inflows to the lake have ranged between 1,279 cfs (cubic feet per second) to 2,481 cfs over the past week. 

Dry conditions and very warm temperatures continue this weekend and into the week of June 29. The Northern Sierra Basin rainfall totals remains below average for the year, at 63 percent of normal of year.

Recently DWR increased flows through the City of Oroville from 650 cfs to 1,250 cfs for fisheries purposes. During the week of June 29, flows through the City of Oroville will be reduced from 1,250 cfs to 650 over the course of a couple of days. As flows are reduced through the City of Oroville, flows from the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet (Outlet) will be increased to 2,650 cfs. The total release to the Feather River’s high flow channel downstream of the Outlet will remain at 3,300 cfs to meet environmental requirements in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
  
All data as of midnight 6/25/20
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Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.

June 19, 2020


Lake Oroville State Recreation Area
Lake Oroville and the North and South Forebay boat ramps, parking lots, and day use areas are open. The Oroville Dam Spillway Boat Ramp area is open 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. with other Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) boat ramps open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Trails and Day Use Areas are open from 8 a.m. to sunset. Lake Oroville recreation information is available on the Department of Water Resources (DWR) Lake Oroville Recreation webpage and the LOSRA webpage.

California Department of Parks and Recreation (CA Parks) staff are working closely with Butte County health officials to develop procedures to open LOSRA campgrounds this summer. All campgrounds - including floating campsites, and the Lake Oroville Visitors Center remain closed to protect public health. CA Parks encourages visitors to maintain a physical distance of six feet or more and that gatherings, picnics, and parties are not allowed if physical distancing cannot be maintained. State health officials now require face coverings outdoors when you cannot maintain a safe 6-foot distance from others who are not members of your household. Visit the “State Parks COVID-19 Resource Center” website or the Butte County website for additional information on how to protect public health.  

‘New’ Trails Around Thermalito Diversion Pool
Trails on the north side of the Thermalito Diversion Pool, previously closed for the Oroville Dam Spillways Reconstruction Project, are open for hikers and bikers. Visitors are now able to travel from Burma Road to the Spillway Boat Ramp area and North Fork Trails. Partnering with CA Parks, DWR has improved and re-aligned trails in the area, both on the north and south sides of the Diversion Pool, including sections of the Brad Freeman Trail where visitors will ‘switchback’ up a new hill made from rock and dirt left over from the spillways project, providing beautiful views of the Valley, Table Mountain, and the Diversion Pool.

On the south side of the Diversion Pool, DWR constructed a new trail access parking lot west of the Kelly Ridge Power Plant. The graveled parking lot is accessible from Oro Powerhouse Road (off Oro Dam Boulevard East) and provides access to hiking, biking, and fishing opportunities. Boating is not allowed in this upstream area of the Diversion Pool, but boating is allowed on the Diversion Pool further downstream, with access from the Burma Road car-top boat launch off of Cherokee Road. Boating is limited to kayaks, canoes, and other non-gas-powered boats.

Oroville to Celebrate Fourth of July with Fireworks Display
The City of Oroville’s Noon Rotary Club fireworks will begin at approximately 9 p.m. and will be launched from the Oroville Airport. Viewers are encouraged to observe the show from their homes, if possible, or higher locations throughout the City and surrounding area. Viewers are also encouraged to abide by physical distancing and face covering requirements to protect public health, especially if unable to maintain a six-foot distance from others not in your household. Information can be found on the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce website.

Oroville Area Algal Blooms Status
DWR environmental scientists regularly monitor Lake Oroville, the Thermalito North Forebay, and the Thermalito Afterbay for blue-green algae and their toxins. There are currently no Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) 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. To learn more about HABs, visit the Water Board’s website.

Online Water Education Program Goes Live on DWR YouTube Channel
Join us for Water Wednesdays at 1 p.m. on DWR’s YouTube channel. These family-friendly programs are designed for kids 10 to 14 but are appropriate for anyone who would like to learn more about California’s water resources. Recent and upcoming ‘episodes’ discuss where our water comes from: reservoirs, snowpack, and groundwater. Interested participants can pre-register through Zoom; this will allow participants to pose questions to that week’s speaker.

Visit the DWR Events webpage at https://water.ca.gov/News/Events to join next Wednesday’s chat. Information will also be posted on DWR’s social media pages at @CA_DWR (Twitter) and @CADWR (Facebook). Previous episodes of Water Wednesdays are available on DWR’s YouTube channel.

Current Lake Operations
The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 808 feet and storage is about 2.2 million acre-feet. Daily average inflows to the lake have ranged between 98 cfs (cubic feet per second) to 1,745 cfs over the past week. 

Dry conditions and warm temperatures are forecasted this weekend with continued dry conditions and warm temperatures during the week of June 22. The Northern Sierra Basin rainfall totals remains below average for the year, at 31.7 percent of normal of year.

On Thursday, June 18, and on Friday, June 19, DWR increased the flow by 300 cfs each day through the City of Oroville to 1,250 cfs for fisheries purposes. The flow released from the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet (Outlet) will be at 2,050 cfs. The total release to the Feather River’s high flow channel downstream of the Outlet remains at 3,300 cfs to meet environmental requirements in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
 
All data as of midnight 6/19/20

June 12, 2020

Lake Oroville State Recreation Area
Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) boat ramps, parking lots, and day use areas are open. The Oroville Dam Spillway Boat Ramp area is open 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. with other LOSRA boat ramps open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Trails and Day Use Areas are open from 8 a.m. to sunset. Lake Oroville recreation information is available on the Department of Water Resources (DWR) Lake Oroville Recreation webpage and the LOSRA webpage. The Thermalito Diversion Pool and the North Forebay Recreation Area are also open to the public. Additionally, the Oroville Wildlife Area, including the Thermalito Afterbay, recently changed its operating hours to 1.5 hours before sunrise to one hour after sunset.

Other local recreation facilities are also open, including both the Bidwell Canyon and Lake Oroville (Lime Saddle) Marinas and the Forebay Aquatic Center at the North Forebay Recreation Area which is open Friday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. for boat, kayak, and other aquatic equipment rentals.

California Department of Parks and Recreation (CA Parks) staff are working closely with Butte County health officials to develop procedures to open LOSRA campgrounds this summer. At this time, all campgrounds - including floating campsites, and the Lake Oroville Visitors Center remain closed to protect public health. CA Parks encourages visitors to maintain a physical distance of six feet or more and that gatherings, picnics, and parties are not allowed if physical distancing cannot be maintained. Local health officials also recommend face coverings, especially when you cannot maintain a safe 6-foot distance from others. Please visit the “State Parks Covid-19 Resource Center” website or the Butte County website for additional information on how to protect public health. 

DWR and Partners Reduce Fire Risk
DWR has successfully completed their 2019-2020 fuels reduction season. Approximately 180 acres around the Oroville Facilities Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Project boundary was treated through DWR’s Fuel Load Management Program (FLMP). The FLMP, administered by DWR in coordination with federal, state, and local fire and resources management agencies, aims to reduce wildfire risk, improve public safety, and enhance forest health around Lake Oroville.

Work typically starts in the fall when rainy weather arrives and continues through the winter and spring months. Treatment methods such as thinning, pile burning, grazing, lop and scatter, and prescribed burning are used to achieve fuels reduction. DWR and partners CAL FIRE, California Conservation Corps, Butte County Sheriff Office, Butte County Fire Safe Council, and private contractors are currently developing plans to start work again this fall when weather conditions allow.


Oroville Area Algal Blooms Status
DWR environmental scientists regularly monitor Lake Oroville, the Thermalito North Forebay, and the Thermalito Afterbay for blue-green algae and their toxins. There are currently no Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) 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. To learn more about HABs, visit the Water Board’s website.

Online Water Education Program Goes Live on DWR YouTube Channel
Join us for Water Wednesdays at 1 p.m. on DWR’s YouTube channel. These family-friendly programs are designed for kids 10 to 14 but are appropriate for anyone who would like to learn more about California’s water resources. Recent and upcoming ‘episodes’ discuss where our water comes from: reservoirs, snowpack and groundwater. Interested participants can pre-register through Zoom; this will allow participants to pose questions to that week’s speaker.

Visit the DWR Events webpage at https://water.ca.gov/News/Events to join next Wednesday’s chat. Information will also be posted on DWR’s social media pages at @CA_DWR (Twitter) and @CADWR (Facebook). Previous episodes of Water Wednesdays are available on DWR’s YouTube channel.

Current Lake Operations
The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 813 feet and storage is about 2.35 million acre-feet. Daily average inflows to the lake have ranged between 1,597 cfs (cubic feet per second) to 2,487 cfs over the past week. 

Dry conditions and mild temperatures are forecasted this weekend with continued dry conditions and warming temperatures during the week of June 15. The Northern Sierra Basin rainfall totals remains below average for the year, at 63 percent of normal, and snowpack is significantly below average, measuring 7 percent of normal for this time of year.

On Thursday, June 11, the total releases to Feather River were increased from 3,000 cfs to 3,300 cfs to meet downstream Bay-Delta water quality and flow standards. Flows through the City of Oroville are about 650 cfs and flows from the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet (Outlet) are about 2,650 cfs to achieve 3,300 cfs for the Feather River’s high flow channel downstream of the Outlet.
 
All data as of midnight 6/11/20

June 5, 2020

Lake Oroville State Recreation Area Resumes Summer Hours
Lake Oroville boat ramp areas are now open along with all Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) facility parking lots and day use areas. While the Oroville Dam Spillway Boat Ramp area is open 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., remaining Lake Oroville boat ramps are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Trails and Day Use Areas are open from 8 a.m. to sunset. Lake Oroville recreation information is available on the Department of Water Resources (DWR) Lake Oroville Recreation webpage and the LOSRA webpage.

The Bidwell Canyon and Lake Oroville (Lime Saddle) Marinas are open providing shuttle service, restrooms, and fuel. The Thermalito Diversion Pool and the North Forebay Recreation Area are also open to the public. The Forebay Aquatic Center at the North Forebay facility is now open Friday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. for boat, kayak, and other aquatic equipment rentals. LOSRA campgrounds, including floating campsites, and the Lake Oroville Visitors Center remain closed to protect public health.

California Department of Parks and Recreation (CA Parks) encourages visitors to maintain a physical distance of six feet or more, to keep moving, and to be mindful of congestion on one-way trails. Gatherings, picnics, and parties are not allowed if social distancing cannot be maintained. The Butte County Health Officer recommends face coverings, especially when you cannot maintain a safe 6-foot distance from others. Information on LOSRA facility status can be obtained on the “State Parks Covid-19 Resource Center” website. Information on local health requirements can be found at http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/buttereopens.

Siren Testing at Oroville Dam
Sirens at Oroville Dam will be tested on Tuesday, June 9. This test begins monthly soundings at noon every second Tuesday of the month lasting for three minutes. The 121-decibel level sounding will be audible to neighboring residents, to motorists on Oro Dam Boulevard East, and to visitors of recreation areas around Oroville Dam – including the Diversion Pool, Spillway Boat Ramp area and Oroville Dam Crest Road. The sirens are in place to notify persons near Oroville Dam’s main spillway when water releases are about to begin. Monthly testing allows DWR to confirm the sirens' operational status.

Algal Blooms in Lake Oroville’s North and Middle Forks
Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) is a natural component of ecosystems. Under certain conditions, including warmer temperatures and increased nutrient loads, algae can grow rapidly causing “blooms.” Algal blooms sometimes produce toxins that can be harmful to people and animals.

DWR environmental scientists regularly monitor Lake Oroville, the Thermalito North Forebay, and the Thermalito Afterbay for blue-green algae and their toxins. Algal blooms have been found in the upper reaches of Lake Oroville’s North and Middle Forks. Recent water samples sent for analysis tested negative.

There 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. To learn more about harmful algal blooms (HABs), visit the Water Board’s website.

Online Water Education Program Goes Live on DWR YouTube Channel
Join us for Water Wednesdays at 1 p.m. on DWR’s YouTube channel. These family-friendly programs are designed for kids 10 to 14 but are appropriate for anyone who would like to learn more about California’s water resources. The first five topics feature Delta wildlife including fish, plankton, birds, reptiles, and invasive species. Interested participants can pre-register through Zoom which will allow posting of questions to that week’s speaker.

Visit the DWR Events webpage at https://water.ca.gov/News/Events to join next Wednesday’s chat. Information will also be posted on DWR’s social media pages at @CA_DWR (Twitter) and @CADWR (Facebook). Previous episodes of Water Wednesdays are available on DWR’s YouTube channel.

Current Lake Operations
The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 817.9 feet and storage is about 2.40 million acre-feet. Daily average inflows to the lake have ranged between 2,312 cfs (cubic feet per second) to 2,814 cfs over the past week. 

Temperatures are forecasted to cool this weekend with a chance of rain in the Feather River Basin. During the week of June 8, temperatures are expected to warm with dry conditions. The Northern Sierra Basin rainfall totals remains below average for the year, at 63 percent of normal, and snowpack is significantly below average, measuring 5 percent of normal for this time of year.

On Monday June 1, the total releases to Feather River were increased from 2,500 cfs to 3,000 cfs to meet downstream Bay-Delta water quality and flow standards. In addition, on June 2, DWR increased flow through the City of Oroville to 950 cfs for fisheries purposes. Flows from the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet (Outlet) are about 2,050 to achieve 3,000 cfs for the Feather River’s high flow channel downstream of the Outlet.
 
All data as of midnight 6/4/20

May 29, 2020

Lake Oroville State Recreation Area Resumes Summer Hours
Lake Oroville boat ramp areas are open for summer hours 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. along with all Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) facility parking lots and day use areas. The Bidwell Canyon and Lake Oroville (Lime Saddle) Marinas are currently providing shuttle service, restrooms, and fuel. The Thermalito Diversion Pool and the North Forebay Recreation Area are also open to the public. The Forebay Aquatic Center at the North Forebay facility is scheduled to open June 5, 2020 for boat and kayak rentals. LOSRA campgrounds, including floating campsites, and the Lake Oroville Visitors Center remain closed to protect public health.

California Department of Parks and Recreation (CA Parks) encourages visitors to maintain a physical distance of six feet or more, to keep moving, and to be mindful of congestion on one-way trails. Gatherings, picnics, and parties are not allowed if social distancing cannot be maintained. The Butte County Health Officer recommends face coverings, especially when you cannot maintain a safe 6-foot distance from others. Information on LOSRA facility status can be obtained on the CA Parks “Flatten the Curve at State Parks” website. Information on local health requirements can be found at http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/buttereopens.

‘New’ Trails Around Thermalito Diversion Pool
Partnering with CA Parks, Department of Water Resources (DWR) trails on the north side of the Thermalito Diversion Pool, previously closed for the Oroville Dam Spillways Reconstruction Project, are now open to the public, allowing continuity for hikers and bikers from Burma Road to the Spillway Boat Ramp area and North Fork Trails. Sections of the area’s Brad Freeman Trail northwest of the Thermalito Diversion Dam have been re-aligned, regaining continuity from Cherokee Road to the Diversion Pool. Continuing along this reconstructed trail, visitors will ‘switchback’ up a new hill made from rock and dirt left over from the spillways project, providing beautiful views of the Valley, Table Mountain, and the Diversion Pool.

On the south side of the Diversion Pool, hikers and bikers will enjoy a new alignment of the Brad Freeman Trail. DWR also constructed a new trail access parking lot near the south side of the Diversion Pool, west of the Kelly Ridge Power Plant. The graveled parking lot is accessible from Oro Powerhouse Road (off Oro Dam Boulevard East) and provides access to hiking, biking, and fishing opportunities. Boating is not allowed in this upstream area of the Diversion Pool, but boating is allowed on the Diversion Pool further downstream, with access from the Burma Road car-top boat launch off of Cherokee Road. Boating is limited to kayaks, canoes, and other non-gas-powered boats.

Visitors are encouraged to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by maintaining a 6-foot distance from others, wearing face coverings, and bringing your own soap for hand washing as well as alcohol-based hand sanitizers when water is not available. 

Anglers Finding Success at Oroville Fishing Spots
As access to area waterbodies is restored, fishing enthusiasts are returning to favorite fishing locations around Lake Oroville as well as the Thermalito Diversion Pool, Forebay and Afterbay. While most practice ‘catch and release’, a local angler saved his catch in order to officially confirm the weight of the 25.25-pound rainbow trout he landed at his favorite fishing hole. Anglers are reminded to comply with all CA Fish and Wildlife requirements, including possession of a current fishing license. Information about sport fishing licenses can be found here.
 
Algal Blooms in Lake Oroville’s North and Middle Forks
Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) is a natural component of ecosystems. Under certain conditions, including warmer temperatures and increased nutrient loads, algae can grow rapidly causing “blooms.” Algal blooms sometimes produce toxins that can be harmful to people and animals.

DWR environmental scientists regularly monitor Lake Oroville, the Thermalito North Forebay, and the Thermalito Afterbay for blue-green algae and their toxins. Algal blooms have been found in the upper reaches of Lake Oroville’s North and Middle Forks. Recent water samples sent for analysis tested negative.

There 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. To learn more about harmful algal blooms (HABs), visit the Water Board’s website.

Online Water Education Program Goes Live on DWR YouTube Channel
Join us for Water Wednesdays at 1 p.m. on DWR’s YouTube channel. These family-friendly programs are designed for kids 10 to 14 but are appropriate for anyone who would like to learn more about California’s water resources. The first five topics feature Delta wildlife including fish, plankton, birds, reptiles, and invasive species. Interested participants can pre-register through Zoom which will allow posting of questions to that week’s speaker.

Visit the DWR Events webpage at https://water.ca.gov/News/Events to join next Wednesday’s chat. Information will also be posted on DWR’s social media pages at @CA_DWR (Twitter) and @CADWR (Facebook). The previous May episodes of Water Wednesdays are available on DWR’s YouTube channel.

Current Lake Operations
The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 820.9 feet and storage is about 2.43 million acre-feet. Daily average inflows to the lake have ranged between 2,934 cfs (cubic feet per second) to 3,235 cfs over the past week. 

Temperatures are forecasted to cool, and up to 0.5 inches of precipitation are expected this weekend in the Feather River Basin. During the week of June 1, there is a slight chance of precipitation and warmer temperatures. The Northern Sierra Basin rainfall totals remains below average for the year, at 63 percent of normal, and snowpack is also below average, measuring 14 percent of normal for this time of year.

Feather River flows were increased 450 cfs from 2, 050 cfs to 2,500 cfs on Friday, May 29, to meet downstream water quality and flow standards. Flows through the City of Oroville remain about 650 cfs and flows from the Thermalito River Outlet are about 1,850 cfs.

All data as of midnight 5/29/20

May 15, 2020

Oroville Field Division Work Continues
Oroville Field Division (OFD) staff continue to carry out essential duties including operations of Oroville Dam and affiliated power plants, facility maintenance, and monitoring activities. Following guidance from Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Public Health, OFD has made several changes in response to the dynamic public health emergency including social distancing, telework, and increased sanitary precautions for staff.

Please remember that California's water treatment process removes and kills viruses, including COVID-19. Additionally, tap water is cheaper, easily accessible, and doesn't contribute to plastics pollution.

Lake Oroville State Recreation Area Opens Select Recreation Facilities 
Following Governor Gavin Newsom’s direction on moving the state into Stage 2 of the COVID-19 Re-Opening Plan, the California Department of Parks and Recreation (CA Parks) has opened portions of the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) to the public. Beginning May 15, Lake Oroville boat launch areas will be open during normal hours along with all LOSRA facility parking lots and day use areas. The Bidwell Canyon and Lake Oroville (Lime Saddle) Marinas are anticipated to open Monday, May 18. The Thermalito Diversion Pool and the North Forebay Recreation Area are also open to the public. The Forebay Aquatic Center at the North Forebay facility will open in early June for boat and kayak rentals.

LOSRA trails continue to be open for hikers and bikers, including the newly reconstructed Brad Freeman trail from the Thermalito Diversion Pool to the Spillway Boat Ramp area. Equestrian and multi-use trails are also open. LOSRA campgrounds, including floating campsites, and the Lake Oroville Visitors Center remain closed.

CA Parks encourages visitors to maintain a physical distance of six feet or more, to keep moving, and to be mindful of congestion on one-way trails. Gatherings, picnics, and parties are not allowed. The Butte County Health Officer recommends face coverings when indoors or when you cannot maintain a safe 6-foot distance from others. Information on LOSRA facility status can be obtained on the CA Parks “Flatten the Curve at State Parks” website. Information on local health requirements can be found at http://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/buttereopens.

USFS Opens Boat Ramps at Upper Feather River Lakes
As the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) begins their gradual opening of facilities, the boat launch ramps at the State Water Project facilities of Frenchman Lake, Lake Davis, and Antelope Lake in Plumas County are now open, however, campgrounds remain closed. For information on Forest Service facilities, find your national forest at https://www.fs.usda.gov/.

CAL FIRE to Reduce Fire Fuels in the Oroville Wildlife Area
CAL FIRE/Butte County Fire Department, in cooperation with California Department of Fish and Wildlife and California Department of Water Resources will burn 30 acres of grassland at the Rabe Road Shooting Range south of the Oroville Airport on Wednesday, May 20. This important vegetation management project (VMP) burn will clear the area around the shooting range of thick grass that could easily ignite if left to grow. The project also offers valuable training for firefighters in preparation for what could be a busy fire season. The shooting range will be closed to the public all day Wednesday and smoke from this control burn will be highly visible during the morning hours near the Oroville Airport and the Thermalito Afterbay.

Online Water Education Program Goes Live on DWR YouTube Channel
Join us for Water Wednesdays at 1 p.m. on DWR’s YouTube channel. These family-friendly programs are designed for kids 10 to 14 but are appropriate for anyone who would like to learn more about California’s water resources. The first five topics feature Delta wildlife including fish, plankton, birds, reptiles, and invasive species. Interested participants can pre-register through Zoom which will allow posting of questions to that week’s speaker.

Visit the DWR Events webpage at https://water.ca.gov/News/Events to join next Wednesday’s chat. Information will also be posted on DWR’s social media pages at @CA_DWR (Twitter) and @CADWR (Facebook). The May 13 episode of Water Wednesdays is available on DWR’s YouTube channel.

Current Lake Operations
The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 820 feet and storage is about 2.43 million acre-feet. Daily average inflows to the lake have ranged between 2,784 cfs (cubic feet per second) to 10,023 cfs over the past week. 

Continued rainfall is expected this weekend into the week of May 18. There is about 1 to 2 inches of rainfall forecasted in the Feather River watershed. Currently in the Northern Sierra Basin rainfall is below average, at 58 percent of normal, and snowpack is also below average, measuring 15 percent of normal for this time of year. On Monday, May 11, total releases to the Feather River were increased from 1,550 cfs to 2,050 cfs to meet downstream Bay-Delta water quality and flow standards. Flows through the City of Oroville are about 650 cfs and the flows are about 1,400 cfs below the Thermalito River Outlet. 

All data as of midnight 5/14/20

May 1, 2020

Oroville Field Division Work Continues
Oroville Field Division (OFD) staff continue to carry out essential duties including operations of Oroville Dam and affiliated power plants, facility maintenance, and monitoring activities. Following guidance from Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Public Health, OFD has made several changes in response to the dynamic public health emergency including social distancing, telework, and increased sanitary precautions for staff.

Please remember that California's water treatment process removes and kills viruses, including COVID-19. Additionally, tap water is cheaper, easily accessible, and doesn't contribute to plastics pollution. 

Oroville and Upper Feather River Lakes Closures Update
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, most of the recreation facilities associated with the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area have been closed, as well as the Lake Oroville Visitors Center and public access to the Feather River Fish Hatchery.

The U.S. Forest Service closed all developed recreation sites indefinitely including boat launch facilities and campgrounds at the State Water Project facilities of Frenchman Lake, Lake Davis, and Antelope Lake in Plumas County. For information on Forest Service facilities, find your national forest at https://www.fs.usda.gov/. Information regarding the status of California Department of Parks and Recreation facilities can be found at “Flatten the Curve at State Parks”. Information regarding the Oroville Wildlife Area, including the Thermalito Afterbay, can be found at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Oroville-WA or by calling (916) 358-2900.


Video Allows Students to Experience Juvenile Steelhead Trout Release
The Classroom Aquarium Education Program (CAEP) provides aquarium tanks and Steelhead eggs from Oroville Dam’s Feather River Fish Hatchery to local classrooms to educate students about the fish life-cycle, their importance to the ecology of the Feather River, and the importance of protecting habitats for native fish. Students raise the fish from eggs and observe their development into juvenile fish (fry) able to swim and survive on their own.

The students’ much-anticipated spring field trips to release the fry into the river had to be canceled because of COVID-19 pandemic school closures. Department of Water Resources (DWR) staff and Pacific States Marine Fisheries contractor Jada Simone-Wright arranged for the collection of the growing fry from participating, but closed, classrooms. The group also arranged for DWR public affairs staff to film the release of the fish into Feather River at Oroville’s Riverbend Park. Students can now virtually experience the Program’s success. The video is available for viewing at https://youtu.be/9zoBn38OTSg. 

The CAEP – formerly called “Eggs in the Classroom” – educational outreach tool is a decades-long collaboration between DWR, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and local schools and non-profits in the Butte County area to support greater awareness of the unique population management challenges for the Feather River’s Steelhead trout and Spring-run Chinook salmon. View the CAEP webpage for more information. View DWR’s article for more details about the trout release. 

 
California Conservation Corps Erecting Fish Habitat Structures at Loafer Creek
Trees removed for construction of a new boat launch ramp at Loafer Point will be used to create fish and wildlife habitat structures near the Loafer Point recreation area. These structures, when submerged, will provide a refuge for many fish species in Lake Oroville including largemouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, bluegill, and green sunfish. When dewatered by lower lake levels, the structures also provide habitat for terrestrial species (land animals and birds).

DWR contracted with the California Conservation Corps to anchor the brush and trees into the barren slopes of Lake Oroville beginning May 4. Work is anticipated to last for approximately two weeks. Similar to the Department’s ‘Recycled Christmas Tree Fish Habitat Project’, this work is part of DWR’s commitment to innovative methods of improving  fish habitat and promoting fish survival at Lake Oroville, the Thermalito Afterbay, and the Feather River.
 
DWR Continues Brush Clearing Work
DWR continues to implement the Fuel Load Management Plan (FLMP), which aims to reduce wildfire risk, improve public safety, and enhance forest health around Lake Oroville. Crews continues to remove hazardous fuels, including overstocked trees and underbrush, from approximately 9.5 acres at project sites near the Nelson Bar Car-top Boat Launch and along Oroville Dam Boulevard East near the Hyatt Powerplant.


Current Lake Operations
The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 825 feet and storage is about 2.49 million acre-feet. Daily average inflows to the lake have ranged between 4,845 cfs (cubic feet per second) to 5,548 cfs over the past week. 

A slight chance of rain in the upper Feather River watershed may occur this weekend and dry conditions are expected during the week of May 4. Currently in the Northern Sierra Basin rainfall is below average, at 57 percent of normal, and snowpack is also below average, measuring 25 percent of normal for this time of year. Flows through the City of Oroville are about 650 cfs and about 900 cfs below the Thermalito River Outlet. Total releases to the Feather River are at 1,550 cfs.


All data as of midnight 4/30/2020

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Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov. 

April 24, 2020

Oroville Field Division Work Continues
Oroville Field Division (OFD) staff continue to carry out essential duties including operations of Oroville Dam and affiliated power plants, facility maintenance, and monitoring activities. Following guidance from Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Public Health, OFD has made several changes in response to the dynamic public health emergency including social distancing, telework, and increased sanitary precautions for staff.

Please remember that California's water treatment process removes and kills viruses, including COVID-19. Additionally, tap water is cheaper, easily accessible, and doesn't contribute to plastics pollution.

Oroville and Upper Feather River Lakes Closures Update
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, most of the recreation facilities associated with the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area have been closed, as well as the Lake Oroville Visitors Center and public access to the Feather River Fish Hatchery.

The U.S. Forest Service closed all developed recreation sites indefinitely including boat launch facilities and campgrounds at the State Water Project facilities of Frenchman Lake, Lake Davis, and Antelope Lake in Plumas County. For information on Forest Service facilities, find your national forest at https://www.fs.usda.gov/. Information regarding the status of California Department of Parks and Recreation facilities can be found at “Flatten the Curve at State Parks”. Information regarding the Oroville Wildlife Area, including the Thermalito Afterbay, can be found at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Oroville-WA or by calling (916) 358-2900.

DWR Continues Brush Clearing Work
DWR continues to implement the Fuel Load Management Plan (FLMP), which aims to reduce wildfire risk, improve public safety, and enhance forest health around Lake Oroville. Crews continues to remove hazardous fuels, including overstocked trees and underbrush, from approximately 9.5 acres at project sites near the Nelson Bar Car-top Boat Launch and along Oroville Dam Boulevard East near the Hyatt Powerplant.

Current Lake Operations
The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 822 feet and storage is about 2.46 million acre-feet. Daily average inflows to the lake have ranged between 4,869 cfs (cubic feet per second) to 5,400 cfs over the past week. 

Dry and warming conditions are forecasted through the weekend and into the week of April 27. Currently in the Northern Sierra Basin rainfall is below average, at 58 percent of normal, and snowpack is also below average, measuring 48 percent of normal for this time of year. Flows through the City of Oroville are about 650 cfs and about 900 cfs below the Thermalito River Outlet. Total releases to the Feather River are at 1,550 cfs.

All data as of midnight 4/23/20


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Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.

April 17, 2020

Oroville Field Division Work Continues
Oroville Field Division (OFD) staff continue to carry out essential duties including operations of Oroville Dam and affiliated power plants, facility maintenance, and monitoring activities. Following guidance from Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Public Health, OFD has made several changes in response to the dynamic public health emergency including social distancing, telework, and increased sanitary precautions for staff.

Please remember that California's water treatment process removes and kills viruses, including COVID-19. Additionally, tap water is cheaper, easily accessible, and doesn't contribute to plastics pollution.

Fire Suppression System Work to Impact Oroville Dam Waterline
A project to install fire suppression systems at the Oroville Project Headquarters office trailers at Oroville Dam’s Upper Overlook is anticipated to require a temporary shut-off of the waterline across Oroville Dam for an approximately 12-hour period during the week of April 20. Restrooms at the entrance to Oroville Dam will be closed during this time. The shut-off will also temporarily decrease the water pressure inflating the rubber seals around the spillway gates allowing additional seepage to be visible on the main spillway.
 
Installation of Piezometers at Oroville Dam Completed
DWR contractors have completed installation of eight new piezometers at the base of the dam. These moisture-sensing devices will further DWR’s efforts to monitor seepage and will be used to confirm the seepage measurements DWR already collects. Seepage is normal and expected, especially in large, earthen dams like Oroville. Seepage is measured and collected through a drainage system. If seepage were to change dramatically, it would indicate an issue that would need further investigation.

This work is part of the early implementation of the Oroville Dam Safety Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA), which is focused on identifying priorities and appropriate solutions to bolster the integrity and resiliency of the Oroville Dam complex to ensure public safety. There were 56 piezometers initially installed in the dam fifty years ago which, as anticipated, have since stopped functioning. DWR plans to install additional piezometers throughout the facility in the coming years.

Oroville and Upper Feather River Lakes Closures Update
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, most of the recreation facilities associated with the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area have been closed, as well as the Lake Oroville Visitors Center and public access to the Feather River Fish Hatchery.

The U.S. Forest Service closed all developed recreation sites indefinitely including boat launch facilities and campgrounds at the State Water Project facilities of Frenchman Lake, Lake Davis, and Antelope Lake in Plumas County. For information on Forest Service facilities, find your national forest at https://www.fs.usda.gov/. Information regarding the status of California Department of Parks and Recreation facilities can be found at “Flatten the Curve at State Parks”. Information regarding the Oroville Wildlife Area, including the Thermalito Afterbay, can be found at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Oroville-WA or by calling (916) 358-2900.

Feather River Fiesta Days Community Event Postponed
The Oroville Feather Fiesta Days Planning Committee has postponed the May 9, 2020 Feather River Fiesta Days event due to the ongoing public health emergency. The Committee is considering holding the event this summer if community gatherings are permitted at that time. Information can be found on the Feather Fiesta Days Facebook page @FeatherFiestaDays.

DWR Continues Brush Clearing Work
DWR continues to implement the Fuel Load Management Plan (FLMP) which aims to reduce wildfire risk, improve public safety, and enhance forest health around Lake Oroville. Crews continues to remove hazardous fuels, including overstocked trees and underbrush, from approximately 9.5 acres at project sites near the Nelson Bar Car-top Boat Launch and along Oroville Dam Boulevard East near the Hyatt Powerplant.

Current Lake Operations
The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 819 feet and storage is about 2.41 million acre-feet. Daily average inflows to the lake have ranged between 5,374 cfs (cubic feet per second) to 6,471 cfs over the past week. 

There is a slight chance of rain early in the week of April 20. Currently, in the Northern Sierra Basin, rainfall is below average, at 59 percent of normal, and snowpack is also below average, measuring 61percent of normal for this time of year.
 
On Friday April 17, flows through the City of Oroville will start ramping down from 1300 cubic feet per second (cfs) and will gradually reach 650 cfs by Wednesday, April 22. This is the culmination of a 2-week temporary “flow pulse” that DWR provided for the benefit of juvenile salmon and steelhead in the Feather River. Releases from the Thermalito Afterbay were adjusted during this time period so that the total flow to the Feather River below the Thermalito Afterbay remained constant at 1,550 cfs. This total release of 1,550 cfs to the Feather River below the Thermalito Afterbay will continue.

All data as of midnight 4/16/20

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Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.