  Flood Control Releases From Lake Oroville Ongoing As snowmelt season begins, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) continues to perform flood protection releases from Lake Oroville using the main spillway and Hyatt Powerplant. Releases from Lake Oroville during the spring months help maintain storage capacity in the reservoir to capture runoff from mountain snowmelt, while optimizing storage for the benefit of water supply, recreation, and fish and wildlife enhancement. DWR continues to conserve as much water supply as possible in coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Releases are subject to change based on ongoing weather conditions. Between October and June, DWR is required to operate Lake Oroville for flood control under federal Water Control Manual guidelines set by USACE. These federal regulations establish a set storage space that is reserved to capture inflows from rain and future snowmelt, while protecting downstream communities from damaging flood events through water releases. Releases to the Feather River are coordinated closely with USACE and other downstream water operators. Current reservoir levels are as follows, though estimates may change quickly:
Lake Oroville is the largest storage facility in the State Water Project, providing flood protection while supporting environmental and water delivery needs to 27 million Californians. Some water released from Lake Oroville is distributed locally for agriculture benefits, while the remaining Feather River releases flow south through the State Water Project system to reduce salinity effects in the Delta, provide irrigation for crops in the Central Valley, and eventually make their way to Southern California. DWR continues to monitor lake levels, weather forecasts, and mountain snow levels to optimize water storage while allowing for carryover storage into next year.  Visitor Center Art Show Celebrate Earth Day this month with DWR and the Lake Oroville Visitor Center. The Visitor Center is currently accepting wildflower-inspired artwork from Butte County residents of all ages. Submissions can range from photography and painting to digital art, drawing, or textiles. Submit your work by 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23. Artwork will be displayed in the Visitor Center’s front lobby from Saturday, April 26 through Sunday, May 11. In addition, DWR is hosting an Earth Day event at the Lake Oroville Visitor Center on Saturday, April 26 from noon to 4 p.m. Join our guides in creating beautiful chalk art and craft projects showcasing your love for our planet and its precious resources. Located at 917 Kelly Ridge Rd. in Oroville, the Visitor Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Staffed by knowledgeable guides, the Visitor Center features interpretive displays on Oroville Dam, area geology, wildlife and habitat, hydroelectric power, and cultural and historical artifacts. View videos in the theater about the construction of Oroville Dam, walk or hike along nearby trails, and visit the 47-foot-tall observation tower that provides unsurpassed panoramic views of surrounding areas. Free guided tours for school and community groups are available by reservation. Parking and admission to the Visitor Center are free.  Vegetation Management Activities DWR continues the final phase of fuel load reduction efforts at Loafer Creek under a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). Throughout the spring, hand crews and heavy equipment operators have been working in the area to complete this critical wildfire prevention project. Phases I and II of the project, covering DWR property along Oro Dam Blvd. East and the Bidwell Canyon/Kelly Ridge area near the Lake Oroville Visitor Center, are complete. In 2023, DWR secured $900,000 in HMGP funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support hazardous fuels reduction across 220 acres in the Lake Oroville area. Additionally, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office crew is continuing post-burn cleanup efforts in the Loafer Creek area following CAL FIRE’s prescribed burn in October 2024. CAL FIRE hand crews and heavy equipment operators are also assisting as resources allow. These efforts focus on reducing wildfire risk by thinning vegetation through hand and mechanical methods, accompanied by chipping and pile burning. Smoke will be visible throughout the Oroville area. As vegetation management continues, some trails within the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area may be intermittently closed. Trail users should use caution in active work areas and follow all posted signage. DWR’s Fuel Load Management Plan is dedicated to reducing wildfire risk, enhancing public safety, and improving forest health around Lake Oroville. Vegetation management in this critical area remains a top priority for DWR and its partners, including CAL FIRE, the Butte County Fire Department, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, the CA Conservation Corps (CCC), CA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), CA State Parks, local tribes, and the Butte County Fire Safe Council.  Explore Table Mountain
Formed from ancient lava flows, the 3,300-acre North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve is a flat-topped mesa providing spectacular views of the valley below. Following winter rains, fissures along the vast lava caps form natural streams, vernal pools, and waterfalls that cascade off the plateau to the valley below. Spring is a spectacular time to enjoy miles of hiking trails through the reserve to view an array of wildflowers in bloom and an expansive carpet of green grasses. Cattle grazing on the reserve is used as a management tool to reduce thatch and non-native grass species to benefit native plants. More information about visiting the ecological reserve may be found on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's (CDFW) website. Current Lake Operations Lake Oroville is at 878 feet elevation and storage is approximately 3.09 million acre-feet (MAF), which is 90 percent of its total capacity and 120 percent of the historical average. Feather River flows are at 2,500 cfs through the City of Oroville with 10,000 cfs being released from the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet (Outlet) for a total Feather River release of 12,500 cfs downstream. Total Feather River releases will be decreased to 11,000 cfs on Sunday, April 13 with flows through the City of Oroville reduced to 2,200 cfs and flows from the Outlet reduced to 8,800 cfs. DWR continues to assess Feather River releases daily. The public can track precipitation, snow, reservoir levels, and more at the California Data Exchange Center. The Lake Oroville gage station is identified as “ORO.” All data as of midnight 4/10/2025. ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to [email protected].
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