![]() April 8, 2022 Feather River Fish Hatchery Opens The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced starting April 7, they will be re-opening 21 of the 22 state fish hatcheries. The hatcheries have been closed for nearly two years during the COVID-19 pandemic. The main Feather River Fish Hatchery facility in Oroville is now open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week. The viewing window and overlook side will continue to be open sunrise to sunset. The Feather River Fish Hatchery (FRFH) is divided into 2 sections:
Over 8 million spring-run and fall-run Chinook salmon are produced by the hatchery annually, along with nearly 450,000 steelhead who are returned to the Feather River or planted in the Thermalito Afterbay for recreational users. To mitigate impacts from this third year of drought conditions, the facility will be raising an additional 1.7 million fall-run Chinook salmon to support the Feather River population. An additional 125,000 Inland Chinook will be planted in Lake Oroville this spring. The Feather River Fish Hatchery is a California State Water Project facility owned and maintained by DWR, which funds hatchery operations. CDFW operates the hatchery, including fish spawning, rearing, and stocking activities. DWR built the fish hatchery to mitigate the impact of the Oroville Dam on Chinook salmon and steelhead populations because the dam blocks access to natural spawning grounds further upstream. ![]() SNOWPACK SURVEY The Department of Water Resources (DWR) conducted the fourth snow survey of the season April 1 at Phillips Station near Echo Summit. Following a January, February, and March that will enter records as the driest documented in state history, the manual survey recorded 2.5 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent of 1 inch, which is 4 percent of average for this location for April. The snow water equivalent measures the amount of water contained in the snowpack and is a key component of DWR’s water supply forecast. Statewide, the snowpack was 38 percent of average for the April 1 date. (One week later, due to high temperatures causing more snowmelt, the statewide average was at 27 percent.) “The conditions we are seeing today speak to how severe our drought remains. DWR has been planning for the reality of a third dry year since the start of the water year on October 1,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “While DWR has made significant investments in forecasting technology and other tools to ensure we make the most out of the snowmelt we do receive, water conservation will remain our best tool in the face of this ongoing drought and the statewide impacts of a warming climate. All Californians must focus on conserving water now.” The full snow survey news release can be found on the DWR News page. Governor Gavin Newsom has asked all Californians to cut back water use at least 15 percent compared to 2020 levels. Current water conditions are now available in real time at California Water Watch, a new website launched by DWR. The website will help Californians see their local hydrological conditions, forecasts, and water conditions down to their address or their local watershed. Additional tips on how to conserve can be found at the SaveOurWater webpage. ![]() OROVILLE RECREATION The Loafer Point, Bidwell Canyon, and Lime Saddle boat ramps are open (except on April 4 for Loafer Point). The Oroville Dam Spillway boat ramp remains closed for repairs. The Foreman Creek and Stringtown cartop boat ramps are also open. Information on current boat ramp status can be found on the California State Parks’ Lake Oroville State Recreation Area webpage. Scroll down to the link for “Current Launch Ramp Status”. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center is open to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pick up the Lake Oroville Trails Map, which shows more than 91 miles of trails available to equestrians, bicyclists, and hikers, at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) kiosks, the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Feather River Recreation and Parks District. The Loafer Creek Recreation Area continues to be closed due to waterline repair (boat ramp and trail access allowed). Visit the California Parks LOSRA webpage for current information on facility status and campground reservations. An interactive map of recreation facilities in DWR’s Oroville-Thermalito Complex is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. Information about the 11,000-acre Oroville Wildlife Area is available on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage. CURRENT LAKE OPERATIONS The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 751 feet elevation and storage is about 1.68 million acre-feet, which is 48 percent of its total capacity and 66 percent of historical average. Temperatures over the weekend are forecasted to be in the mid- to upper-70s and decreasing to the 60s and low 70s into next week with a chance of rain mid-week. The average daily inflows this week have been between 3,000 to 5,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) and projected to continue at this rate next week. Inflows are subject to change based upon on actual weather conditions. Starting April 2, 2022, DWR has initiated daily reductions in total flows to the Feather River and flows are projected to be at 1,100 cfs by Sunday. At 1,100 cfs to the Feather River, flow in the low-flow channel through the City of Oroville is 650 cfs and flow through the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet currently is 450 cfs. Flows are assessed daily. The public can track precipitation, snow, reservoir levels, and more at the California Data Exchange Center at www.cdec.water.ca.gov. The Lake Oroville gage station is identified as “ORO”. All data as of midnight 4/8/2022 ![]() California is entering its third year of drought conditions. With water conservation now a way of life in California, everyone is encouraged to find ways to save water. See tips, tools, and ideas on the Save Our Water website. Information about real time local hydrological conditions, forecasts, and water conditions is available on DWR’s new website California Water Watch. ![]() April 1, 2022 Snowpack Survey The Department of Water Resources (DWR) conducted the fourth snow survey of the season Friday at Phillips Station near Echo Summit. Following a January, February, and March that will enter records as the driest documented in state history, the manual survey recorded 2.5 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent of 1 inch, which is 4 percent of average for this location for April. The snow water equivalent measures the amount of water contained in the snowpack and is a key component of DWR’s water supply forecast. Statewide, the snowpack is 38 percent of average for this date. “The conditions we are seeing today speak to how severe our drought remains. DWR has been planning for the reality of a third dry year since the start of the water year on October 1,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “While DWR has made significant investments in forecasting technology and other tools to ensure we make the most out of the snowmelt we do receive, water conservation will remain our best tool in the face of this ongoing drought and the statewide impacts of a warming climate. All Californians must focus on conserving water now.” The full snow survey news release can be found on the DWR News page. Governor Gavin Newsom has asked all Californians to cut back water use at least 15 percent compared to 2020 levels. Current water conditions are now available in real time at California Water Watch, a new website launched by DWR. The website will help Californians see their local hydrological conditions, forecasts, and water conditions down to their address or their local watershed. Additional tips on how to conserve can be found at the SaveOurWater webpage. Boat Ramp Closures A speed boat timed trial event on the Thermalito Afterbay is scheduled for April 1 to April 3. The event requires the southern portion of the Afterbay (south of Highway 162) to be closed to the public April 2 and April 3. Both the Monument Hill boat ramp and Larkin Cartop boat launch will be closed. The Wilbur Road boat ramp and areas north of Hwy 162 will remain open. Returning to the Afterbay after two years away due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 59th Annual Region 9 Bud David Time Trials event is anticipated to draw 40 to 50 boats. Information about the event can be found on the American Power Boat Association webpage at https://www.apba.org/racing-schedule.html The Loafer Point boat launch area will be closed Monday, April 4 for installation of a gate. Boaters are encouraged to use the Bidwell Canyon boat ramp as an alternate launch site on that day. Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory CommissionThe California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) held its tenth Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission meeting on March 25, 2022. The online public meeting included a facilities update from the Department of Water Resources (DWR), a presentation on addressing flood risks, and a discussion about public safety partnerships. Members of the public also offered comments and asked questions. The Citizens Advisory Commission is a forum to provide public feedback from the communities surrounding Oroville Dam. The meeting transcript and presentations will be available on the Commission’s website in the coming weeks at https://bit.ly/OrovilleCAC. ![]() OROVILLE RECREATION The Loafer Point, Bidwell Canyon, and Lime Saddle boat ramps are open (except on April 4 for Loafer Point). The Oroville Dam Spillway boat ramp remains closed for repairs. The Foreman Creek and Stringtown cartop boat ramps are also open. Information on current boat ramp status can be found on the California State Parks’ Lake Oroville State Recreation Area webpage. Scroll down to the link for “Current Launch Ramp Status”. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center is open to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pick up the Lake Oroville Trails Map, which shows more than 91 miles of trails available to equestrians, bicyclists, and hikers, at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) kiosks, the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Feather River Recreation and Parks District. The Loafer Creek Recreation Area continues to be closed due to waterline repair (boat ramp and trail access allowed). Visit the California Parks LOSRA webpage for current information on facility status and campground reservations. An interactive map of recreation facilities in DWR’s Oroville-Thermalito Complex is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. Information about the 11,000-acre Oroville Wildlife Area is available on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage. CURRENT LAKE OPERATIONS The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 749 feet elevation and storage is about 1.68 million acre-feet, which is 47 percent of its total capacity and 67 percent of historical average. Dry conditions and temperatures in the 80s are forecasted this weekend and next week. The average daily inflows this week have been around 5,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). These higher inflows are attributed to early season snowmelt and projected in the 3,000 to 4,000 cfs range next week. Inflows are subject to change based upon actual weather conditions. Total flows to the Feather River are 3,500 cfs. Flow in the low-flow channel through the City of Oroville is 650 cfs and flow through the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet currently is 2,850 cfs. DWR is planning a reduction of releases to the Feather River in early April. The public can track precipitation, snow, reservoir levels, and more at the California Data Exchange Center at www.cdec.water.ca.gov. The Lake Oroville gage station is identified as “ORO”. All data as of midnight 3/31/2022 ![]() California is entering its third year of drought conditions. With water conservation now a way of life in California, everyone is encouraged to find ways to save water. See tips, tools, and ideas on the Save Our Water website. Information about real time local hydrological conditions, forecasts, and water conditions is available on DWR’s new website California Water Watch. ![]() February 25, 2022 Feather River Hatchery Steelhead Planting The Feather River Fish Hatchery has raised over 630,700 steelhead for release this year. The steelhead were raised for a full year at the hatchery and averaged about 8 to 9 inches in length. Around 129,300 steelhead were released in the Thermalito Afterbay – plantings occurred in December 2021 and February 2022. This is a significant increase from normal planting years and will contribute to a more productive recreational fishery. The remaining approximately 501,400 steelhead were released into the Feather River at Boyd’s Pump Boat Launch Feb. 3 to Feb. 18 to meet mitigation requirements. Releasing these young fish further downstream improves their chance of survival. This shortened migration route allows juvenile fish to avoid predators. Steelhead are a salmonid species and are an ocean-going trout. They will migrate from freshwater to marine (ocean), returning to freshwater environments to spawn. They can spawn several times during their lifetime and can live up to eight years. Their “steelhead” name comes from their appearance, a more streamlined shape than Chinook salmon and with a silvery or brassy color as an adult. The Feather River Fish Hatchery is a California State Water Project (SWP) facility built in the late 1960s to mitigate impacts on fish migration resulting from the construction of Oroville Dam which prevented access to spawning grounds further upstream. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) maintains the facility and funds the hatchery operations, fish spawning, rearing, and stocking activities provided by California Department of Fish and Wildlife staff. ![]() DWR SURVEY OF LAKE OROVILLE DWR is conducting a bathymetric (underwater) survey of Lake Oroville to complete a comprehensive topography, or map, of the lakebed. The underwater survey will complement a December 2021 survey that took advantage of the lake’s low water elevations to perform an ‘above water level’ survey of Lake Oroville’s topography, dams, and related structures. Using highly accurate LiDAR remote sensing, the December survey produced precise, three-dimensional information of Lake Oroville’s lakebed. Similar data will be collected from the bathymetric survey. Data from both surveys will provide DWR with up-to-date information that can be used to determine changes in sedimentation, update the reservoir’s storage-stage relationships, and inform future boat ramp extensions. ![]() DWR LAUNCHES CALIFORNIA WATER WATCH The Department of Water Resources (DWR) has a new website to better inform Californians about hydrologic conditions, forecasts, and information at the scale of their local watershed. The website, California Water Watch, allows the public to obtain a quick snapshot of local and statewide water conditions and was developed as part of the Governor’s drought emergency proclamation. Information is updated from a variety of data sources and will assist the public to research, learn, and stay informed about California’s most precious resource – water. The website displays current statewide hydroclimate and water supply conditions, including precipitation, temperature, reservoir storage, groundwater conditions, snowpack, streamflow, soil moisture and vegetation conditions. Links to information about drought conditions and how water is used in California are also provided. ![]() OROVILLE RECREATION The Loafer Point, Bidwell Canyon, and Lime Saddle boat ramps are open. The Oroville Dam Spillway boat ramp remains closed for repairs. The Foreman Creek and Stringtown cartop boat ramps are also open. Intermittent, short duration closures of the Oroville Dam Crest parking lot may occur to accommodate Lakeside Access Road construction activities. The popular walking/bicycling trail across the top of the dam will remain open and parking will continue to be available at the Upper Overlook. Information on current boat ramp status can be found on the California State Parks’ Lake Oroville State Recreation Area webpage. Scroll down to the link for “Current Launch Ramp Status”. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center is open to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pick up the Lake Oroville Trails Map, which shows more than 97 miles of trails available to equestrians, bicyclists, and hikers, at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) kiosks, the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Feather River Recreation and Parks District. The Loafer Creek Recreation Area continues to be closed due to waterline repair (boat ramp and trail access allowed). Visit the California Parks LOSRA webpage for current information on facility status and campground reservations. An interactive map of recreation facilities in DWR’s Oroville-Thermalito Complex is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. Information about the 11,000-acre Oroville Wildlife Area is available on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage. CURRENT LAKE OPERATIONS The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 748 feet elevation and storage is about 1.66 million acre-feet, which is 47 percent of its total capacity and 76 percent of historical average. Temperatures over the weekend are forecasted to be in the low 60s to low 40s. Next week’s temperatures are forecasted to range between upper 60’s and low-70s to low or upper-40s at night. A chance of rain is forecasted in the Feather River watershed next week. The average daily inflows this week have been around 4,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). Inflows through the weekend and next week are forecasted to be around 3,500 cfs to 4,000 cfs. Inflows are subject to change based upon on actual weather conditions. Total flows to the Feather River are 4,750 cfs. This increase is for downstream water quality and flow requirements. Flow in the low-flow channel through the City of Oroville is 650 cfs and flow through the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet is 4,100 cfs. Releases are assessed daily. The public can track precipitation, snow, reservoir levels, and more at the California Data Exchange Center at www.cdec.water.ca.gov. The Lake Oroville gage station is identified as “ORO”. All data as of midnight 2/24/2022 ![]() February 11, 2022Five Year Anniversary February 2017 was a challenging time for Oroville residents and the surrounding communities. Over the past five years, the dam safety industry has been transformed statewide and nationally, leading to changes in how dams and related facilities are operated, inspected, and maintained. Public safety and flood protection remain the Department of Water Resources’ (DWR) top priorities in operational decisions regarding the Oroville reservoir. The reconstruction of the Oroville Dam’s main and emergency spillways using a more robust and modern design ensures that the Oroville Dam will continue to be able to provide flood protection to downstream communities. The Oroville Dam Comprehensive Needs Assessment (2020) identified priorities and appropriate solutions to bolster the integrity and resiliency of the Oroville Dam Complex; projects completed or underway include a seismic retrofit study, assessment of the FCO gate structure, installation of piezometers at Oroville Dam to collect data on seepage, and studies of area geology. Transparency, public engagement, and open communication also remain priorities as DWR works to restore trust and build relationships. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has restricted personal outreach and in-person community presentations, DWR continues to share information virtually regarding annual milestones, weather forecasts and operational updates, and engage community members in dialogue about needs and concerns. Residents are encouraged to participate in the Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission that meets every three months. DWR is thankful to all the impacted residents for their patience and partnership as we move forward to achieve our shared goals of public safety, a reliable water supply for the state, environmental protections, and recreation opportunities for residents and visitors. Law Enforcement Training The Butte County Sheriff’s Office held an emergency response training at the Ronald B. Robie Thermalito Pumping-Generating Powerplant today (Feb. 11) which involved law enforcement and public safety personnel and equipment. The Sheriff’s Office advised the public this was a training exercise to provide participants with “real-time” response and rescue experiences to learn and refresh skills related to emergency preparedness and response. The Thermalito Powerplant remains fully operational. ![]() CHRISTMAS TREE FISH HABITAT DWR, the California Conservation Corps (CCC), and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) completed constructing fish habitat structures at Lake Oroville and the Thermalito Afterbay using over 1,240 recycled Christmas trees. The trees were again collected by Chico Boy Scout Troop 2 and delivered free of charge to DWR by Recology, a local waste management company. To create the habitat on Lake Oroville and the Thermalito Afterbay, members of the CCC team bundle the recycled holiday trees together and anchor them in various locations around the lakebed. At Lake Oroville near the Loafer Creek Recreation Area, 916 trees were assembled into 64 structures. At the Thermalito Afterbay, 324 trees were assembled into 32 structures. Anchoring the trees allows them to remain submerged, providing juvenile fish safe refuge, and improving fisheries and recreational fishing opportunities. For nearly 30 years, DWR has worked with local groups to construct fish habitat structures, which is one of the longest continuously running fish habitat improvement programs in the State of California. The 2022 project is anticipated to be completed by Feb. 9. LAKESIDE ACCESS ROAD Construction activities associated with the Lakeside Access Road project continue to result in intermittent closures of the Oroville Dam Crest parking lot on the northwest side of the dam as well as the Spillway Boat Ramp area. These short duration closures are anticipated to continue until the end of February. The popular walking/bicycling trail across the top of the dam will remain open and parking will continue to be available at the Upper Overlook. This project will consist of a new, permanent, paved road from the west side of Oroville Dam to the Spillway Boat Ramp parking lot on the “lakeside,” or waterside, of the Oroville Dam spillways. This new road will allow a more direct route when water levels are low in Lake Oroville. The new road will include two concrete traffic lanes, wide shoulders for walking and biking, guardrails, and safety signage. ![]() OROVILLE RECREATION The Loafer Point, Bidwell Canyon, and Lime Saddle boat ramps are open. The Oroville Dam Spillway boat ramp remains closed for repairs. The Foreman Creek and Stringtown cartop boat ramps are also open. Information on current boat ramp status can be found on the California State Parks’ Lake Oroville State Recreation Area webpage. Scroll down to the link for “Current Boat Ramp Status”. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center is open to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pick up the Lake Oroville Trails Map, which shows more than 97 miles of trails available to equestrians, bicyclists, and hikers, at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) kiosks, the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Feather River Recreation and Parks District. The Loafer Creek Recreation Area continues to be closed due to waterline repair (boat ramp and trail access allowed). Visit the California Parks LOSRA webpage for current information on facility status and campground reservations. An interactive map of recreation facilities in DWR’s Oroville-Thermalito Complex is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. Information about the 11,000-acre Oroville Wildlife Area is available on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage. CURRENT LAKE OPERATIONS The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 745 feet elevation and storage is about 1.63 million acre-feet, which is 46 percent of its total capacity and 77 percent of historical average. Dry and warm conditions are forecasted for this weekend with temperatures in the mid-70s. There’s slight chance of rain on Monday with warm and dry weather returning next week. The average daily inflows this week have been in the range of 2,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 3,000 cfs. Inflows through the weekend and next week are forecasted to be around 3,000 to 4,000 cfs. Inflows are subject to change based upon on actual weather conditions. Total flows to the Feather River are 3,500 cfs. This increase is for downstream water quality and flow requirements. Flow in the low-flow channel through the City of Oroville is 650 cfs and flow through the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet is 1,850 cfs. Releases are assessed daily. The public can track precipitation, snow, reservoir levels, and more at the California Data Exchange Center at www.cdec.water.ca.gov. The Lake Oroville gage station is identified as “ORO”. All data as of midnight 2/10/2022 ![]() January 21, 2022 DWR Issues Revised Water Allocation Due to the series of storms in December 2021, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) is increasing the State Water Project (SWP) allocation to 15 percent of requested supplies for 2022, an increase over the December allocation that covered only critical health and safety needs of the 29 water agencies that contract to receive State Water Project supplies. While drought conditions still persist, December’s precipitation enabled DWR to convey and store water in San Luis Reservoir, allowing for the modest increase in water deliveries. DWR continues to plan for a third dry year by preserving storage in Lake Oroville, the State Water Project’s largest reservoir. Water releases from Lake Oroville will be prioritized to maintain Delta water quality, protect endangered species, and meet senior water right needs. Each year, DWR makes an initial SWP allocation on Dec. 1. Allocations are updated as snowpack and runoff information are assessed, with a final allocation typically determined in May or June. Read the full news release on the DWR News webpage. Photo: Dinosaur Point boat launch on San Luis Reservoir (Aug. 2021) Drought Update January’s dry weather reflects California’s weather variability -- not only from year to year but within the water year as well (Oct. 1 to Sept. 30). California has received more precipitation this water year as compared to this time last year but the abrupt change from December’s series of strong storms to a very dry January is a kind of “weather whiplash” that is becoming more common as climate change impacts continue to grow. The remainder of the wet season is still ahead. California receives 75 percent of its precipitation from November through March, half of which is typically received between December through February. Currently the statewide snowpack is around 58 percent of seasonal average and about 113 percent of average for this date. California needs above average precipitation throughout the winter to offset record-setting drought conditions and replenish reservoirs. Currently, Lake Oroville is only filled to 44 percent of its capacity and major reservoirs across the state are at an average of 42 percent capacity. Governor Newsom has called on Californians to voluntarily reduce their water use by 15 percent with simple measures to protect water reserves. The October 2021 emergency proclamation expanded the drought emergency statewide and authorized the State Water Board to ban wasteful water uses, boosting conservation efforts. Learn how to save for the future by visiting the Save Our Water website. ![]() Mid-Winter Bald Eagle Survey Environmental scientists from DWR participated in the National Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey on Jan. 7. This nation-wide effort, coordinated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, aims to determine bald eagle distribution and identify areas of important winter habitats. Because of bad weather on the day of the national survey, this year’s official count at Lake Oroville was only 20 bald eagles; however, an informal survey two days later counted well over 100 migrating eagles at the lake. Lake Oroville, the Feather River, and local area rice fields provide an ideal habitat for bald eagles. Fish are one of the eagle’s main food sources and water bodies like Lake Oroville, rivers, and rice fields provide a wide variety of fish and other favorite food sources such as waterfowl, small birds, and mammals. The many trees and snags (tall dead trees) near water areas provide prime roosting and hunting locations for the bald eagles that migrate to and through the area during the winter months as well as nesting opportunities for Lake Oroville’s resident “nesting pairs” who have established their home here. Protecting the area’s year-round bald eagle population living in the DWR Oroville-Thermalito Complex jurisdiction is the responsibility of DWR environmental scientists. The bald eagle is a protected species under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 and Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940. They were listed as an endangered species in 1978. Those protections have been successful, and the species is now federally delisted. DWR’s scientists monitor for and, if necessary, act against threats such as public intrusions, habitat loss, or other impacts to the eagles’ nesting areas. Photo: Bald eagle on top of pine tree at Lake Oroville Lakeside Access Road Construction activities associated with the Lakeside Access Road project continue to result in intermittent closures of the Oroville Dam Crest parking lot on the northwest side of the dam. These short duration closures are anticipated to continue until the end of January. The popular walking/bicycling trail across the top of the dam will remain open and parking will continue to be available at the Upper Overlook. This project will consist of a new, permanent, paved road from the west side of Oroville Dam to the Spillway Boat Ramp parking lot on the “lakeside,” or waterside, of the Oroville Dam spillways. This new road will allow a more direct route when water levels are low in Lake Oroville. The new road will include two concrete traffic lanes, wide shoulders for walking and biking, guardrails, and safety signage. Loafer Creek Recreation Area The Loafer Creek Recreation Area at Lake Oroville continues to be temporarily closed due to damages and interruption of the park’s main water supply system. Hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians can still access area trails from the Saddle Dam trailhead facility off Kelly Ridge Road. Trail users are advised to be aware of California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) work trucks and utility vehicles in the area. ![]() Oroville Recreation Bidwell Canyon’s Stage II concrete boat ramp and the Lime Saddle Boat Ramp are open. The Spillway boat ramp remains closed for repair and the Loafer Point boat ramp is inaccessible due to continued closure of the Loafer Creek Recreation Area for waterline repairs. The Foreman Creek and Stringtown cartop boat ramps have also reopened. Information on current boat ramp status can be found on the State Park’s Lake Oroville State Recreation Area webpage. Scroll down to the link for “Current Boat Ramp Status”. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center is open to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pick up the Lake Oroville Trails Map, which shows more than 97 miles of trails available to equestrians, bicyclists, and hikers, at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) kiosks, the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Feather River Recreation and Parks District. Visit the California Parks LOSRA webpage for current information on facility status and campground reservations. An interactive map of recreation facilities in DWR’s Oroville-Thermalito Complex is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. Information about the 11,000-acre Oroville Wildlife Area is available on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage. Photo: Observation Tower at Lake Oroville Visitor Center Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 739 feet elevation and storage is about 1.58 million acre-feet, which is 45 percent of its total capacity and 80 percent of historical average. Dry and cool conditions are forecasted over the weekend and continuing into next week. The average daily inflows this week have been in the range of 4,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 5,000 cfs. Inflows through the weekend and next week are forecasted to be in the range of 3,000 cfs to 5,000 cfs. Inflows are subject to change based upon on actual weather conditions. Total flows to the Feather River are at 950 cfs for meeting downstream water quality and flow requirements. Flow in the low-flow channel, through the City of Oroville, is 650 cfs and flow through the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet is 300 cfs. Releases are assessed daily. The public can track precipitation, snow, reservoir levels, and more at the California Data Exchange Center at www.cdec.water.ca.gov. The Lake Oroville gage station is identified as “ORO”. All data as of midnight 1/20/2022 ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov. ![]() July 2, 2021 Fourth of July Fireworks at Oroville The Oroville Rotary Club will be holding a Fourth of July celebration at the Oroville Municipal Airport on Independence Day. While there will not be public access to the airport facility for the fireworks show, public areas around the airport will be accessible by personal vehicle to tailgate during the event. The nearby Clay Pit State Vehicle Recreation Area will be closed for safety reasons. A fly-in event in the morning at the airport will also take place. The fireworks show will begin 30 minutes after sunset. Information on suggested viewing locations and other event information is available on the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce website at: https://www.visitoroville.com/oroville-fireworks.html. Photo: On the North Forebay in Oroville waiting for fireworks to start. Oroville Recreation The Bidwell Canyon Boat Ramp will be open over the Fourth of July holiday weekend with future status dependent on lake levels. The gravel, single-lane, 4-wheel drive only, boat ramp at the Spillway opens this afternoon, July 2. Boat ramp information can be obtained by calling the California Department of Parks and Recreation (CA Parks) at (530) 538-2200 or visiting the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) website at www.parks.ca.gov/LakeOroville. Both the Lime Saddle and Bidwell Canyon marinas will remain open 8 a.m. until sundown. Summer access hours of 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily is now in effect for the Spillway Boat Ramp Area - gates close at 11 p.m. The Oroville Dam Crest Road across Oroville Dam is available 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily and open to pedestrians and bicyclists 24-hours a day. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center anticipates re-opening later this summer. Visitors to the Thermalito North Forebay will find a full CA Parks facility with restrooms, picnic areas, a swim beach, and the Forebay Aquatic Center with kayaks, paddle boards, and other watercraft available for rent. The Monument Hill facility at the Thermalito Afterbay also provides boat ramp access, restrooms, a picnic area, and a swim beach. Visit the California Parks LOSRA webpage for current information on facility status and campground reservations. An interactive map of recreation facilities in DWR’s Oroville-Thermalito Complex is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage at https://water.ca.gov/What-We-Do/Recreation/Lake-Oroville-Recreation. Information about the 11,000-acre Oroville Wildlife Area is available on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Oroville-WA. Photo: Camping at the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area Lake Oroville Visitor Center CA Parks and DWR have issued a news release announcing both will be offering expanded educational opportunities at the Lake Oroville Visitor Center and State Recreation Area in the coming months. DWR is exclusively managing the Visitor Center as CA Parks transitions its educational programming away from the Visitor Center to various LOSRA locations as it further expands outdoor educational programs to educate visitors and provide high-quality outdoor recreation opportunities. DWR is recruiting additional staff to support operations and to assist with enhanced educational opportunities and informational displays at the Visitor Center that highlight California’s water delivery system and the importance of water in our lives. The Visitor Center will reopen later this year. ![]() Oroville Wildlife Area Habitat Project The sunflowers and safflowers planted this spring on 60 acres of the Oroville Wildlife Area (OWA) are growing taller. The nearly 12,000-acre OWA in Butte County is a popular stopping place on the Pacific Flyway for migrating and native birds. Managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) for the Department of Water Resources (DWR), the OWA also includes DWR’s Thermalito Afterbay reservoir, a prime habitat for migrating waterfowl and several endangered species. CDFW farms more than 300 acres of grains, grasses, and flowering plants in the OWA to provide food (forage), shelter, and nesting cover for migratory and native birds. Recently, 60 acres in various locations around the Thermalito Afterbay were planted with sunflowers and safflowers. Read more about CDFW’s 50 years of using dry-land farming techniques to add diversity to the area’s wildlife habitat on the DWR Updates webpage. DWR will be tracking the success of these 60 acres over the summer and photos can be found on DWR’s public photo sharing site by using the search term “Oroville Wildlife Area Planting”. Photo: Sunflowers grow in the Oroville Wildlife Area to provide forage and habitat for wildlife and birds. Drought Information California is no stranger to drought; it is a recurring feature of our climate. Lake Oroville’s low lake levels are a reminder of this cycle of dry and wet years. This year’s drought conditions are being felt across the western United States, with many areas, including California’s Central Valley, identified as being in “extreme drought” - the highest category of drought conditions. DWR has created a “Drought” webpage where definitions, historical trends, current information, and maps of California’s water systems can be found. Links to resources, DWR activities, research, and data are available. Read about how heatwaves are impacting drought conditions on the DWR Updates webpage. DWR is encouraging water conservation efforts by all Californians. Find out ways you can help by visiting the “Save Our Water” website. ![]() Blue Green Algae Monitoring DWR environmental scientists regularly monitor for blue-green algae and their toxins during the summer months. There are currently no harmful algal bloom (HAB) advisories for Lake Oroville, the Thermalito Forebay, or the Thermalito Afterbay. Water samples are taken at various locations regularly from Memorial Day through Labor Day and sent to a lab for toxin analysis. If elevated levels of cyanobacteria toxins are found while testing, DWR staff will 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, or to report a HAB visit the Water Board’s website. Photo: Algal bloom on Lake Oroville's West Branch Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 681 feet elevation and storage is about 1.12 million acre-feet -- 32 percent full and 39 percent of historical average. Currently, in the Northern Sierra Basin, snowpack is also below average at five percent of normal. Warm temperatures in the ranging in the high 90s and low 100s continue this weekend through next week. Total flow to the Feather River is currently at 3,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) for meeting downstream water quality and flow requirements. Flow down the low flow channel, through the City of Oroville, is 1,550 cfs and flow through the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet is 1,450 cfs. Currently, these flow patterns will hold through the weekend. Current releases are re-assessed on a daily basis. The public can track precipitation, snow, reservoir levels, and more at the California Data Exchange Center at www.cdec.water.ca.gov. Lake Oroville is identified as “ORO”. All data as of midnight 7/1/2021 ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov. ![]() June 25, 2021 Oroville Wildlife Area Habitat Project The sunflowers and safflowers planted this spring on 60 acres of the Oroville Wildlife Area (OWA) are growing taller. The nearly 12,000-acre OWA in Butte County is a popular stopping place on the Pacific Flyway for migrating and native birds. Managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) for the Department of Water Resources (DWR), the OWA also includes DWR’s Thermalito Afterbay reservoir, a prime habitat for migrating waterfowl and several endangered species. CDFW farms more than 300 acres of grains, grasses, and flowering plants in the OWA to provide food (forage), shelter, and nesting cover for migratory and native birds. Recently, 60 acres in various locations around the Thermalito Afterbay were planted with sunflowers and safflowers. Read more about CDFW’s 50 years of using dry-land farming techniques to add diversity to the area’s wildlife habitat on the DWR Updates webpage. DWR will be tracking the success of these 60 acres over the summer and photos can be found on DWR’s public photo sharing site by using the search term “Oroville Wildlife Area Planting”. Photo: Sunflowers grow in the Oroville Wildlife Area to provide forage and habitat for wildlife and birds. Drought Information California is no stranger to drought; it is a recurring feature of our climate. Lake Oroville’s low lake levels are a reminder of this cycle of dry and wet years. This year’s drought conditions are being felt across the western United States, with many areas, including California’s Central Valley, identified as being in “extreme drought” - the highest category of drought conditions. DWR has created a “Drought” webpage where definitions, historical trends, current information, and maps of California’s water systems can be found. Links to resources, DWR activities, research, and data are available. Read about how heatwaves are impacting drought conditions on the DWR Updates webpage. DWR is encouraging water conservation efforts by all Californians. Find out ways you can help by visiting the “Save Our Water” website. ![]() Oroville Recreation Bidwell Canyon Boat Ramp is currently open with future status dependent on lake levels. Boat ramp information can be obtained by calling the California Department of Parks and Recreation (CA Parks) at (530) 538-2200 or visiting the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) website at www.parks.ca.gov/LakeOroville. Both the Lime Saddle and Bidwell Canyon marinas will remain open 8 a.m. until sundown. Visitors to the Thermalito North Forebay will find a full CA Parks facility with restrooms, picnic areas, a swim beach, and the Forebay Aquatic Center with kayaks, paddle boards, and other watercraft available for rent. The Monument Hill facility at the Thermalito Afterbay also provides boat ramp access, restrooms, a picnic area, and a swim beach. More than 97 miles of trails and numerous Day Use Area (DUA) facilities with picnic tables and restrooms at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) are open 8 a.m. to sunset. Bidwell, Lime Saddle, and Loafer Creek Recreation Areas are open 24 hours. Summer access hours of 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily is now in effect for the Spillway Boat Ramp Area - gates close at 11 p.m. Vehicle access to Oroville Dam Crest Road across Oroville Dam is available 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily and open to pedestrians and bicyclists 24-hours a day. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center remains closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Visit the California Parks LOSRA webpage for current information on facility status, campground reservations, and to find current requirements to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic. An interactive map of recreation facilities in DWR’s Oroville-Thermalito Complex is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. Information about the 11,000-acre Oroville Wildlife Area is available on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage. Photo: Swim beach at North Forebay Recreation Area ![]() Grazing Goats Reduce Fire Risk Hillsides along the Dan Beebe and Bidwell Canyon trails near Kelly Ridge look quite different after 1,600 goats and sheep from the Hanski Family Farms visited the area. The goat grazing project is part of DWR’s Fuel Load Management Plan, which helps reduce wildfire risk, increase public safety, and enhance forest health in areas around Lake Oroville within the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) project boundary. In partnership with Butte County Fire Safe Council, DWR utilized grazing as a sustainable method of fuel reduction on about 35 acres to help minimize the risk or lessen the spread of a wildfire. To learn more and see goat grazing in action, visit DWR’s YouTube channel for a video of the March 2021 Lakeland Blvd. goat grazing project. Photo: Grazed and un-grazed hillsides near Kelly Ridge Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 690 feet elevation and storage is about 1.18 million acre-feet -- 34 percent full and 41 percent of historical average. Currently, in the Northern Sierra Basin, snowpack is also below average at five percent of normal. An Excessive Heat Watch is in effect beginning this weekend (Saturday) through Wednesday in the Northern and Central Sacramento Valley. Temperatures are forecast to be over 100 degrees throughout the weekend and next week. Total flow to the Feather River is currently at 2,750 cubic feet per second (cfs) for meeting downstream water quality and flow requirements. Flow down the low flow channel, through the City of Oroville, is 2,150 cfs and flow through the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet is 600 cfs. Currently, these flow patterns will hold through the weekend. Plans to reduce flows in the low flow channel at a rate of 300 cfs per day to the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet will be scheduled until its desired level is reached. Current releases are re-assessed on a daily basis. The public can track precipitation, snow, reservoir levels, and more at the California Data Exchange Center at www.cdec.water.ca.gov. Lake Oroville is identified as “ORO”. All data as of midnight - 6/24/2021 ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov. ![]() June 18, 2021 Drought Information California is no stranger to drought; it is a recurring feature of our climate. Lake Oroville’s low lake levels are a reminder of this cycle of dry and wet years. This year’s drought conditions are being felt across the western United States, with many areas, including California’s Central Valley, identified as being in “extreme drought” - the highest category of drought conditions. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) has created a “Drought” webpage where definitions, historical trends, current information, and maps of California’s water systems can be found. Links to resources, DWR activities, research, and data are available. DWR is encouraging water conservation efforts by all Californians. Find out ways you can help by visiting the “Save Our Water” website. Lake Oroville Boat Ramp Status Bidwell Canyon Boat Ramp is currently open with future status dependent on lake levels. Boat ramp information can be obtained by calling the CA Department of Parks and Recreation (CA Parks) at (530) 538-2200 or visiting the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) website at www.parks.ca.gov/LakeOroville. Both the Lime Saddle and Bidwell Canyon marinas will remain open 8 a.m. until sundown. Oroville Recreation Visitors to the Thermalito North Forebay will find a full CA Parks facility with restrooms, picnic areas, a swim beach, and the Forebay Aquatic Center with kayaks, paddle boards, and other watercraft available for rent. The Monument Hill facility at the Thermalito Afterbay also provides boat ramp access, restrooms, picnic area, and a swim beach. More than 97 miles of trails and numerous Day Use Area (DUA) facilities with picnic tables and restrooms at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) are open 8 a.m. to sunset. Bidwell, Lime Saddle, and Loafer Creek Recreation Areas are open 24 hours. Summer access hours of 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily is now in effect for the Spillway Boat Ramp Area - gates close at 11 p.m. Vehicle access to Oroville Dam Crest Road across Oroville Dam is available 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Exercise enthusiasts can log a round-trip of just over two miles while they enjoy the spectacular views from Oroville Dam Crest Road across the top of the dam, which is open to walkers, joggers, and bicyclists 24-hours a day. Surrounded by trails, the Thermalito Diversion Pool is open for kayaking and other non-motorized boating, trailered boats are not permitted at this location. The Feather River Fish Hatchery’s viewing area and fish ladder are open to the public. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center remains closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Visit the California Parks LOSRA webpage for current information on facility status, campground reservations, and to find current requirements to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic. An interactive map of recreation facilities in DWR’s Oroville-Thermalito Complex is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. Information about the 11,000-acre Oroville Wildlife Area is available on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage. Photo: Swim beach at North Forebay Recreation Area Thermalito Afterbay Outlet Work Divers have nearly completed work on the first stage of a 3-year project to increase the operational reliability of the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet radial gates. The gates of the Outlet have been closed this past week to allow divers to perform underwater work. The Outlet’s required flows to the Feather River were routed to the river’s Low Flow Channel that runs from the Thermalito Diversion Dam through Oroville. As work is completed, the gates will be reopened, allowing river flows through the Low Flow Channel to gradually decrease during the week of June 21 as flows from the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet are restored. River users are always advised to be aware of currents and colder water temperatures. ![]() Grazing Goats Reduce Fire Risk Over 1,500 goats and sheep are busy eating their way through dried grasses and brush in the Kelly Ridge area and along the Dan Beebe and Bidwell Canyon trails. DWR staff overseeing the project report the goats are making great progress in reducing overgrown vegetation in the 34-acre target area. The goats started grazing June 13 at Arroyo Drive and are moving south towards the Saddle Dam area. DWR in partnership with Butte County Fire Safe Council, contracted with Hanski Family Farms in Paradise to utilize grazing as a sustainable method of fuel reduction to help minimize the risk or lessen the spread of a wildfire. The goats and sheep will graze on dried grasses, leaves, invasive and non-invasive plants including poison oak and star thistle, and a variety of shrubs and trees. By standing on their hind legs, goats can reduce ladder fuels (overgrown vegetation that allows fire to climb from the forest floor into the taller shrubs and into the tree canopy) up to four feet high. Higher branches are being removed and placed on the ground for further grazing in order to increase fire protection. The grazing area will be cordoned off with an electric fence and monitored by herdsmen and livestock guardian dogs to protect the animals. The public is urged to stay clear of the electric fence and keep pets away, so the goats are not disturbed. This work is part of DWR’s Fuel Load Management Plan which helps reduce wildfire risk, increase public safety, and enhance forest health in areas around Lake Oroville within the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) project boundary. Approximately 34 acres will be grazed over the next couple weeks. To learn more and see goat grazing in action, visit DWR’s YouTube channel for a video of the March 2021 Lakeland Blvd. goat grazing project. Photo: Grazing goats feast on grass, shrubs and trees near Kelly Ridge ![]() Blue Green Algae Monitoring DWR environmental scientists regularly monitor for blue-green algae and their toxins during the summer months. There are currently no harmful algal bloom (HAB) advisories for Lake Oroville, the Thermalito Forebay, or the Thermalito Afterbay. 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.” Keep animals and children away from the water when a suspected harmful algal bloom (HAB) is present and report the possible HAB immediately. Water samples are taken at various locations regularly from Memorial Day through Labor Day and sent to a lab for toxin analysis. If elevated levels of cyanobacteria toxins are found while testing, DWR staff will 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, or to report a HAB visit the Water Board’s website. Photo: Algal bloom on Lake Oroville's North Fork in June 2020 Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 698 feet elevation and storage is about 1.24 million acre-feet -- 35 percent full and 43 percent of historical average. Currently, in the Northern Sierra Basin, snowpack is also below average at five percent of normal. Excess heat warnings are in effect until Saturday night. Temperatures are forecast to be in the 100s over the weekend, in the 90s during the week, then increasing to be above 100 over the following next weekend. Total flow to the Feather River is currently at 2,750 cfs for meeting downstream water quality and flow requirements. Due to work being performed at the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet gates, all flow has been rerouted down the low flow channel, through the City of Oroville. Once the work is completed, flows will be rerouted at a rate of 300 cfs per day from the low flow channel to the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet until desired flows are reached. Current releases are re-assessed on a daily basis. The public can track precipitation, snow, reservoir levels, and more at the California Data Exchange Center at www.cdec.water.ca.gov. Lake Oroville is identified as “ORO”. All data as of midnight 6/17/2021 ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov. ![]() April 9, 2021 DWR Begins Monitoring Vernal Pools Some grasslands, including areas around Butte County, have an underlying impervious layer of rock or clay that causes rainwater to pond in the winter and spring, creating seasonal wetlands called vernal pools. Although vernal pools are only a small component of our local grasslands in terms of area, they support a remarkably high diversity of plants and animals, including rare and endangered species and species endemic to California (i.e., found nowhere else in the world). Vernal pool organisms and plants are highly specialized to their unique environment and to the Mediterranean-type climate found in California. They have adapted to living in pools that fill in the winter but are completely dry by the summer, as well as adapting to the sometimes-extreme variability in temperature and rainfall between years. Vernal pools are important targets for conservation because most vernal pools in California have been lost to development, agriculture, and habitat degradation from invasive plants. Vernal pools often support spectacular wildflowers that bloom from March to May. Each spring, Department of Water Resources (DWR) Environmental Scientists from the Oroville Field Division monitor hundreds of vernal pools around the Oroville area and make assessments on how protection measures for these valuable environmental resources are succeeding. Photo: Native flower "tidy tips" in vernal pool area Additional Campgrounds Open at Lake Oroville The California Department of Parks and Recreation (CA Parks) has opened up reservations for the Bloomer Point, Bloomer Knoll, and Bloomer Cove boat-in campgrounds, the Foreman Creek boat-in campground, and the floating campgrounds located around Lake Oroville. Group camping at Loafer Creek Recreation Area opens on April 15. Lime Saddle group camping remains closed. Reservations for camping can be made online by selecting the ‘Reservations’ tab on the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) webpage. The reservations system needs 48 hours’ notice to process reservations. “Day-of” access to campgrounds is possible if campsites are available. ![]() Oroville Recreation The Lime Saddle, Bidwell Canyon, and Spillway boat ramps are open for use. Bidwell Canyon and Lime Saddle boat ramps are open 24-hours per day and the Spillway boat ramp is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The Loafer Creek Boat Ramp remains out of the water. Construction of the brand-new Loafer Point Boat Ramp is nearing completion and will be open later this spring. The Roy Rogers Trail in the Loafer Creek Recreation Area, previously closed weekdays for hazardous tree removal, is now open. All day use facilities at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area are open. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center remains closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. DWR and CA Parks invite outdoor enthusiasts to visit the area’s 91 miles of trails, including the 41-mile long Brad Freeman Trail. Mountain bikers, hikers, equestrians, and bicyclists can find trail information on DWR’s interactive map on the Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. Visit the California Parks LOSRA webpage for current information on facility status as well as current requirements to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic. For information about the Oroville Wildlife Area, including the Thermalito Afterbay, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage. Photo: Family hike on the Brad Freeman Trail near the Thermalito Diversion Pool ![]() Goats Reduce Vegetation Near Diversion Pool A herd of 350 to 400 goats from Hanski Family Farms LLC were successful in reducing hazardous fuels in nearly five acres in the Lakeland Boulevard area this past week. DWR partnered with the Butte County Fire Safe Council (BCFSC) on this grazing project to reduce the fire risk from grasses, leaves, invasive and non-invasive plants, and other vegetation. This work is part of DWR’s Fuel Load Management Program, which was started in 2012 to reduce hazardous fuels within the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) project boundary. DWR, along with partners CAL FIRE, the California Conservation Corps, BCFSC, Butte County Sheriff’s Office, and California Department of State Parks and Recreation (CA Parks), are all working together to accomplish the same common goal -- reduce wildfire risk, increase public safety, and enhance forest health in areas around Lake Oroville. To date, approximately 675 acres have been treated around the Lake Oroville area by DWR and its partners. Photo: Goats perform fuel reduction grazing on Lakeland Blvd. near the Thermalito Diversion Pool Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 725 feet elevation and storage is about 1.46 million acre-feet -- 41 percent full and 54 percent of historical average. Currently, in the Northern Sierra Basin, rainfall is below average, at 50 percent of normal for this time of year and snowpack is also below average at 51 percent of normal. Dry and warm conditions are forecasted this weekend and into the week of April 12. DWR continues to assess releases on a daily basis and still plans to reduce releases to conserve water. As of April 8, total releases to the Feather River are 1,300 cubic feet per second (cfs) to meet Bay-Delta water quality and outflow requirement - 800 cfs down the low flow channel through the City of Oroville and 500 cfs from the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet (Outlet) for a total of 1,300 cfs for the Feather River’s high flow channel downstream of the Outlet. The public can track precipitation, snow, reservoir levels, and more at the California Data Exchange Center at www.cdec.water.ca.gov. Lake Oroville is identified as “ORO”. All data as of midnight 4/8/2021 ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov ![]() February 19, 2021 Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission Public Meeting The California Natural Resources Agency held its sixth Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission meeting on Feb. 19. The online public meeting included presentations on fire modernization at the Hyatt Power Plant, winter operations, and a presentation from the Yuba Water Agency on downstream flood management. Members of the public also asked questions and gained information on these and other topics. The Citizens Advisory Commission is a forum for the community to provide feedback and ask questions. The meeting transcript and presentations will be available on the Commission’s website (https://bit.ly/OrovilleCAC) in the coming weeks. Lake Oroville Boat Ramps The Lime Saddle Boat Ramp is now open for use along with Bidwell Canyon and Spillway boat ramps. Bidwell Canyon and Lime Saddle boat ramps are open 24-hours per day and the Spillway boat ramps are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The Lake Oroville Marina at Lime Saddle is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and the Bidwell Canyon Marina is open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Loafer Creek boat ramps remain out of the water. Feather River Fish Planting Millions of fish are raised every year at the Feather River Fish Hatchery, including Chinook fall and spring run salmon, and salmon’s cousin, steelhead trout – another type of anadromous fish that migrates from their river birthplace to the ocean and back to their native river to spawn. Over the last two weeks, hatchery staff transported and released over 430,000 of the steelhead trout raised last year into the Feather River below Yuba City. Releasing the young fish further downstream improves their chances of survival by shortening their migration route to avoid predators. An additional 10,000 steelhead were also released into the Thermalito Afterbay to support that popular recreational fishery. The Feather River Fish Hatchery is a California State Water Project facility built in the late 1960s to mitigate impacts on fish migration resulting from the construction of Oroville Dam which blocked access to spawning grounds further upstream. DWR maintains the facility and funds the hatchery operations, fish spawning, rearing, and stocking activities provided by California Department of Fish and Wildlife staff. Photos of the steelhead trout release are available on the Department of Water Resources (DWR) Pixel webpage – search ‘fish release’. Photo: Dept. Fish and Wildlife release steelhead trout into the Feather River at Boyd's Boat Launch ![]() Oroville Recreation The Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) campgrounds at Bidwell Canyon, Loafer Creek – including the Equestrian Campground, and the Lime Saddle Campground are open. Group camping, including floating campgrounds, and boat-in campgrounds remain closed. Reservation capability does not open until April and camping sites will be allocated on a ‘first come-first serve’ basis. The Potters Ravine and North Fork trails are open for use. CA Parks encourages users to remain on the trails. Assessments by CA Parks staff of trail safety will continue through the winter. All day use facilities at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) are open. The Lake Oroville Visitors Center remains closed. Visit the California Parks LOSRA webpage for current information on facility status as well as current requirements to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Information about recreation facilities can be found in DWR’s interactive map on the Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. For information about the Oroville Wildlife Area, including the Thermalito Afterbay, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage. Photo: Camping at the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area ![]() Thermalito Powerplant Update The Department of Water Resources (DWR) Thermalito Powerplant (THPP), formally named the Ronald B. Robie Thermalito Pumping-Generating Powerplant, has returned to full service after losing operational capacity when it was damaged by fire in November 2012. The powerplant has been re-constructed with modern fire and life safety features, and the plant’s electrical protection, control, and communications systems have been fully replaced. The thousands of connections in the plant’s new systems underwent the strict and rigorous ‘interconnection’ requirements of Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) to safely re-connect the powerplant to the state’s electrical grid. The THPP is one of three hydroelectric powerplants in the Oroville-Thermalito Complex, capable of generating 118 megawatts – enough to power roughly 100,000 households and adding value to the approximately 714 megawatts produced by Oroville Dam’s Edward Hyatt Powerplant. Along with the Thermalito Diversion Dam Powerplant, the Oroville-Thermalito Complex is California’s State Water Project’s leading producer of clean hydro-electric power. Photo: Power generation turbines at restored RBR Thermalito Pumping-Generating Powerplant ![]() Wildfire Impacts on Water Quality The multi-agency “Watershed Working Group”, led by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES), continues targeted monitoring of rivers, lakes, and other surface waters in the North Complex burn area and downstream. The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board (Water Board), the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and the Department of Water Resources (DWR) collect and test water samples for analysis. The Water Board’s recent news release states elevated results found are not impacting drinking water treatment facilities nor the quality of drinking water. Water testing will continue and the Watershed Working Group will report results in the weeks ahead. The Water Board will alert the public if results show water quality may be impacted. Photo: DWR water quality experts collect water samples on the Feather River's Middle Fork Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 708 feet elevation and storage is about 1.31 million acre-feet, 55 percent of historical average. Currently, in the Northern Sierra Basin, rainfall is below average, at 53 percent of normal for this time of year and snowpack is also below average at 67 percent of normal. Chance of light rain and snow showers in the higher elevations is forecasted this Saturday. Next week, beginning Feb. 22, expect dry conditions with a slight chance of rain towards the end of the week. The total releases to the Feather River continues to be at 1,250 cfs to conserve storage in Lake Oroville. The Feather River flows consist of 800 cfs down the Low Flow Channel through the City of Oroville, and 450 cfs from the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet (Outlet) for a total of 1,250 cfs for the Feather River’s high flow channel downstream of the Outlet. The public can track precipitation, snow, reservoir levels, and more at the California Data Exchange Center at www.cdec.water.ca.gov. Lake Oroville is identified as “ORO”. All data as of midnight 2/18/2021 ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov. |
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