January 24, 2020Lake Oroville Community UpdateCalifornia Natural Resources Agency to Host Third Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission Public Meeting in February
The California Natural Resources Agency is hosting its third Citizens Advisory Commission meeting on Friday, February 21, 2020. The meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will take place at the Southside Community Center located at 2959 Lower Wyandotte Road. Additional information about the Commission can be found here. The agenda and other meeting materials will be posted in the coming weeks.
California Conservation Corps Helps Construct Fish Habitat from Recycled Christmas Trees
The California Conservation Corps (CCC) continues to construct fish habitat structures at Lake Oroville and the Thermalito Afterbay using recycled Christmas trees collected by Chico and Oroville Boy Scout troops and the Biggs 4-H Club. To create the habitat, 15 members of the CCC team will bundle the recycled holiday trees together using a system of wire rope to anchor them in various locations on the lakebeds. These structures provide juvenile fish safe refuge, improving fisheries and recreational fishing opportunities for largemouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, bluegill and green sunfish. For over 25 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 project is anticipated to be completed by January 29.
Loafer Point Boat Ramp Project is on Track for August 2020 Completion
As winter precipitation results in rising water levels in Lake Oroville, DWR’s contractor K.W. Emerson, Inc. is currently on track to successfully construct concrete slabs for the new three-lane boat ramp at Loafer Point. Eight slabs have been placed so far, completing the bottom 200 feet of the 60-foot wide boat ramp. Now working at an elevation of 830 feet, the efforts to out-distance rising lake levels appears to be succeeding. The $5 million Loafer Point Boat Ramp Facility Stage One project includes construction of a 92-stall parking area with lighting, a new restroom facility, three new boat launch lanes to 800 feet and one boarding float lane. The project is anticipated to be completed by August 2020. A project to construct a second stage parking lot and boat ramp, for launching at lower water levels, is also being planned. The Loafer Point day use area is currently closed to the public due to construction activities. Loafer Creek areas remain open.
Current Lake Operations
The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 795 feet and storage is more than 2.1 million acre-feet. Daily average inflows to the lake have ranged between approximately 3,370 cfs (cubic feet per second) to 4,690 cfs over the past week.
Cloudy conditions and chances of rain and snow are forecasted this weekend through the early part of the week of January 27 with dry conditions predicted for the latter half of the week. Currently, in the Northern Sierra Basin rainfall is below average, at 64 percent of normal, and snowpack is also below average, measuring 81 percent of normal for this time of year.
Water is being released from Lake Oroville at a rate of about 1,900 cfs. Water from the reservoir is being used locally for rice stubble decomposition and to support waterfowl habitat and is also being used to meet Feather River flow and environmental requirements in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.  Releases to support waterfowl habitat are expected to cease by the end of the month.  Total releases to the Feather River are 1,750 cfs, with about 800 cfs flowing through the City of Oroville and 950 cfs being released from the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet.
All data as of midnight 1/23/20
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The Snow Goose Festival is in full swing in Butte County. This is the perfect event for birders to watch the migration of not only snow geese, but a plethora of other birds as well.

There is still time to get a tour for January 25 or 26. Just Click Here.

If you don't want to be part of a tour, you can bird watch on your own. Locally there will be birds on Lake Oroville and at the Oroville Wildlife Area. So, pack a lunch and bring a pair of binoculars!

January 17, 2020Lake Oroville Community UpdateDWR Completes Spillway-Release Siren Testing at Oroville Dam’s Main Spillway
On Wednesday, January 15, DWR completed its first scheduled testing of new spillway-release sirens near the Oroville Dam’s main spillway. The spillway-release sirens are not used to alert the community of an emergency. They indicate to nearby employees and visitors that releases down Oroville Dam’s main spillway are about to begin, which can cause water levels in the Diversion Pool to rise. Moving forward, the spillway-release sirens will be tested monthly.
DWR Installation of New Lighting on Main Spillway Is Successfully Completed
Oroville residents may have seen Oroville Dam’s main spillway lit up at night this week for the continuous 72-hour testing period required by the manufacturer. The lights are now fully functioning and will be used intermittently based on operational needs and any future testing requirements.
Oroville Field Division Successfully Removes over 20 Acres of Debris from Lake Oroville
Oroville Field Division (OFD) maintenance crews successfully completed a controlled burn project in a remote cove on the Feather River’s South Fork arm of Lake Oroville this week. Over 20 acres of logs, branches and other floating debris collected this past spring from the reservoir was gathered into small piles for burning. The effort to collect, transport and dispose of floating debris from the 15,810-acre reservoir (when full) is a yearly effort for OFD crews.
Current Lake Operations

The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 794 feet and storage is about 2.1 million acre-feet. Daily average inflows to the lake have ranged between approximately 2,745 cfs (cubic feet per second) to 4,420 cfs over the past week.
Cloudy conditions are expected through the weekend with continued cloudy conditions and a chance of rain and snow Monday through Wednesday during the week of January 20. Currently, in the Northern Sierra Basin rainfall is below average, at 61 percent of normal, and snowpack is also below average, measuring 77 percent of normal for this time of year.
Water is being released from Lake Oroville at a rate of about 2,500 cfs. Water from the reservoir is being used locally for rice stubble decomposition and to support waterfowl habitat and is also being used to meet Feather River flow and environmental requirements in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Releases to the Feather River are 2,000 cfs, with about 800 cfs flowing through the City of Oroville and 1,200 cfs being released from the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet. A slight reduction of total releases to Feather River, below the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet, are projected during the week of January 20 for conservation purposes. 
All data as of midnight 1/16/20

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January 10, 2020Lake Oroville Community UpdateNew Oroville Spillway Sirens to be Tested Wednesday, January 15
Residents and visitors near Oroville Dam can expect to hear loud siren noises after 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 15 for the testing of new sirens near the Oroville Dam main spillway. Following a “This is only a test” verbal announcement, there will be multiple 10-second soundings over the course of several hours as sirens at different locations are tested and activated. The 121-decibel level sounding will be audible to neighboring residents, motorists on Oro Dam Blvd. East and visitors to recreation areas around Oroville Dam, including the Diversion Pool, Spillway Boat Ramp area and Dam Crest/Oroville Dam Road. Testing is anticipated to be concluded by late Wednesday afternoon. The sirens are in place to notify nearby persons that water releases down Oroville Dam’s main spillway are about to begin. The sirens will be tested monthly.
DWR Installation of New Lighting on Main Spillway to Begin mid-to-late January
Following manufacturer’s instructions, new lighting installed on Oroville Dam’s main spillway will remain on for a continuous 72-hour period as part of activation testing. It’s anticipated this testing period will begin during the last weeks of January with some preliminary tests taking place beforehand. The public’s patience is appreciated as DWR complies with the lights’ activation requirements. After testing is complete, the lights will then be used intermittently based on operational needs.
Donate Your Christmas Tree for Lake Oroville Fish Habitat
The Chico Boy Scouts Troop 2 will be collecting Christmas trees this Saturday, January 11 at three locations in Chico. The locations can be found on their website. In addition to trees already scheduled for pick-up by the Troop’s volunteers, the trees will be recycled into prime habitat for fish and other wildlife at Lake Oroville and the Thermalito Afterbay through a partnership between DWR, area Boy Scouts troops, Recology and the California Conservation Corps. All trees must have all ornaments removed and flocked trees are not able to be accepted. DWR’s over 25 years of work with local groups to construct fish habitat structures at Lake Oroville is one of the longest continuously running fish habitat improvement programs in the State of California.
Oroville Field Division Continues Controlled Burns in Lake Oroville Cove
Oroville Field Division (OFD) maintenance crews will continue to conduct controlled burning in a remote cove on the Feather River’s South Fork arm of Lake Oroville. Throughout the year, OFD crews collect logs, branches and other floating debris carried into Lake Oroville from the three forks of the Feather River to the remote cove. After the first rains of the season, crews gather the logs into small piles for burning. The public is advised to use caution if visiting the area. These controlled burns will continue until all of the debris is removed.
New Recreation Improvement Project Begins at Lake Oroville's Loafer Point
The first of two projects to improve recreation and public access at Lake Oroville’s Loafer Creek State Recreation Area began in December near the Loafer Creek Day Use Area. The $5 million Loafer Point Boat Ramp Facility Stage One project will include construction of a 92-stall parking area with lighting, a new restroom facility, three new boat launch lanes and one boarding float lane. The boat launch lanes will provide access to Lake Oroville at lake elevations between 900 feet and 800 feet. The project is anticipated to be completed by August 2020. A project to construct a second stage parking lot and boat ramp for launching at lower water levels is also being planned.
For public safety, the day use area at Loafer Creek will be closed until approximately mid-April, depending on weather. The public is advised to be aware of construction equipment and activities and abide by all restricted-area signage.
Current Lake Operations
 The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 790 feet and storage is over 2 million acre-feet. Daily average inflows to the lake have ranged between approximately 3,370 cfs (cubic feet per second) to 4,140 cfs over the past week.
Light amounts of rain and snow are forecasted through the weekend, with colder temperatures and chances of continued precipitation and snow in the lower elevations of the Feather River watershed during the week of January 13.
Water is being released from Lake Oroville at a rate of about 2,500 cfs. Water from the reservoir is being used locally for rice stubble decomposition and to support waterfowl habitat and is also being used to meet Feather River flow and environmental requirements in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Releases to the Feather River are 2,000 cfs, with about 800 cfs flowing through the City of Oroville and 1,200 cfs being released from the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet.
All reservoir data as of midnight 1/9/20
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January 3, 2020Lake Oroville Community UpdateNew Recreation Improvement Project Begins at Lake Oroville's Loafer Point
The first of two projects to improve recreation and public access at Lake Oroville’s Loafer Creek State Recreation Area began last week at Loafer Point near the Loafer Creek Day Use Area. The $5 million Loafer Point Boat Ramp Facility Stage One project will include construction of a 92-stall parking area with lighting, a new restroom facility, three new boat launch lanes and one boarding float lane. The boat launch lanes will provide access to Lake Oroville at lake elevations of 900 feet to 800 feet. The project is anticipated to be completed by August 2020. A project to construct a second stage parking lot and boat ramp, for launching at lower water levels, is also being planned.
For public safety, the Day Use Area at Loafer Creek will be closed until approximately mid-April, depending on weather. The public is advised to be aware of construction equipment and activities and abide by all restricted-area signage.
Donate Your Christmas Tree for Lake Oroville Fish Habitat
The Oroville Boy Scouts Troop 29 will be collecting Christmas trees this Saturday, January 4, at 1426 Safford Street in Oroville. The trees will be recycled into prime habitat for fish and other wildlife at Lake Oroville and the Thermalito Afterbay through a partnership between DWR, area Boy Scouts troops, Recology and the California Conservation Corps. The Chico Boy Scouts Troop 2 will begin their collection on January 11. All trees must have all ornaments removed and flocked trees are not able to be accepted. DWR’s over 25 years of work with local groups to construct fish habitat structures at Lake Oroville is one of the longest continuously running fish habitat improvement programs in the State of California.
New Traffic Calming Devices Installed at Spillway Boat Ramp Access Road
Motorists returning to Lake Oroville’s Spillway Boat Ramp area will notice the temporary rubber traffic calming devices, or speed bumps, near the security kiosks have been replaced. The new, permanent speed bumps will maintain traffic safety while providing improved travel, particularly for visitors towing boats or trailers. Motorists are encouraged to be alert and abide by all speed limit restrictions.
Oroville Field Division Continues Controlled Burns in Lake Oroville Cove
Oroville Field Division (OFD) maintenance crews are currently conducting controlled burning in a remote cove on the Feather River’s South Fork arm of Lake Oroville. Throughout the year, OFD crews collect logs, branches and other floating debris carried into Lake Oroville from the three forks of the Feather River to the remote cove. After the first rains of the season, crews gather the logs into small piles for burning. The public is advised to use caution if visiting the area. These controlled burns will continue until all of the debris is removed.
DWR Installation of New Lighting on Main Spillway to Occur in 2020
Following manufacturer’s instructions, new lighting installed on Oroville Dam’s main spillway will remain on for a continuous 72-hour period as part of activation testing. It’s anticipated this testing period will take place in mid-January. The public’s patience is appreciated as DWR complies with the lights’ activation requirements. After testing is complete, the lights will then be used intermittently based on operational needs.
Current Lake Operations
The elevation of Oroville reservoir is about 790 feet and storage is just over 2 million acre-feet. Daily average inflows to the lake have ranged between approximately 3,732 cfs (cubic feet per second) to 4,140 cfs over the past week.
Extremely light amounts of rain and snow are forecasted through the weekend and chances of additional light amounts of rain and snow during the week of Jan. 6 are also possible.
Water is being released from Lake Oroville at a rate of about 2,500 cfs. Water from the reservoir is being used locally for rice stubble decomposition and to support waterfowl habitat and is also being used to meet Feather River flow and environmental requirements in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Releases to the Feather River were decreased from 2,300 cfs to 2,000 cfs last week for conservation of storage, with 800 cfs flowing through the City of Oroville and 1,200 cfs being released from the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet.
*all reservoir data as of midnight 1/2/20

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December 20, 2019Lake Oroville Community UpdateUPDATE: The next Lake Oroville Community Update will be distributed on Friday, January 3. Additional information regarding weather and operations will be shared proactively as needed. We wish you a very Happy Holiday season and a joyful New Year.
Notification: The California Department of Water Resources will be sending out the weekly Oroville Community Update email newsletter from a new email subscription management service starting January 1, 2020. Subscriber information previously provided to NationBuilder will be moved to the California Natural Resources Agency’s ListServe 16.0 supported by L-Soft. Subscribers who do not want their information moved to CNRA’s ListServe 16.0 can unsubscribe from receiving the Oroville Community Update by December 27, 2019. Unsubscribe from receiving the Oroville Community Update.  Please email oroville@water.ca.gov if you have any questions.
New Traffic Calming Devices Installed at Spillway Boat Ramp Access Road
Motorists returning to Lake Oroville’s Spillway Boat Ramp area will notice the temporary rubber traffic calming devices, or speed bumps, near the security kiosks have been replaced. The new, permanent speed bumps will maintain traffic safety while providing improved travel, particularly for visitors towing boats or trailers. Motorists are encouraged to be alert and abide by all speed limit restrictions.
Oroville Field Division Starts Controlled Burns in Lake Oroville Cove     
Every spring, Oroville Field Division (OFD) maintenance crews collect floating debris carried into Lake Oroville by winter rains from the three forks of the Feather River. Logs, branches and other floating debris is secured and towed to a remote cove on the Feather River’s South Fork arm of the lake. As summer water deliveries result in lower lake levels, the floating debris is deposited on the shoreline. After the first rains of the season, OFD’s maintenance crews pile the logs into small piles for burning. The public is advised to use caution if visiting the area. These controlled burns will continue until all of the debris is removed.
DWR Installation of New Lighting on Main Spillway to Occur in 2020
Following manufacturer’s instructions, new lighting installed on Oroville Dam’s main spillway will remain on for a continuous 72-hour period as part of activation testing. It’s anticipated this testing period will take place after the beginning of the new year. The public’s patience is appreciated as DWR complies with the lights’ activation requirements. After testing is complete, the lights will then be used intermittently based on operational needs.
Hydroseeding at Spillway Reconstruction Area Prevents Erosion
Areas of hillside near Oroville Dam’s reconstructed main spillway will appear bright green due to the application of a hydroseed mix for site stabilization and erosion control. The hydroseed mix helps to reestablish a root structure in the soil profile to hold it in place. Native species such as yarrow, fescue, California poppy and lupine will help to restore natural ground cover and the green-colored bonded fiber matrix will hold the mix together until the seed can germinate. Hydroseeding is one component of the Oroville Spillways Emergency Recovery Project’s site rehabilitation activities that are scheduled over the next several years. Additional hydroseed will be applied as weather permits – approximately two weeks of dry weather is required for optimal applications. All areas will be monitored throughout the winter with re-applications occurring as needed.
California Experiences Many Types of Flooding – Are you Prepared?
After a dry summer and fall, wet winter storms add storage to the state’s reservoirs. Yet flooding caused by heavy rains can have devastating results and without proper preparedness, lives, homes, infrastructure and agriculture are at risk of being lost. This winter, be prepared with an emergency evacuation kit, pay attention to weather forecasts and listen to local authorities. Being aware of your risk, because being prepared and taking action can help keep you and your family safe. Visit DWR’s Flood Preparedness webpage for more flood safety tips.
Spillway Boat Ramp Area Holiday and Winter Access Hours
The winter access schedule for Lake Oroville’s Spillway Boat Ramp provides daily public access to the area from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Motorists are urged to turn on headlights and pay attention to pedestrian and bicyclist safety.
Walkers, joggers and bicyclists may continue to enjoy daily access on the pedestrian lane on the lakeside of Dam Crest/Oroville Dam Road from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., as well as parking at the Upper Overlook. These access hours for Dam Crest/Oroville Dam Road will remain the same through the winter months.
Current Lake Operations
The elevation of Oroville reservoir is about 785 feet and storage is just over 2 million acre-feet. Daily average inflows to the lake have ranged between approximately 3,415 cfs (cubic feet per second) to 7,510 cfs over the past week.
A light amount of rain and snow is forecasted through the weekend and chances of additional rain and snow during the week of December 23 is also possible.
Water is being released from Lake Oroville at a rate of about 3,100 cfs. Water from the reservoir is being used locally for rice decomposition and to support waterfowl habitats and is also being used to meet Feather River flow and environmental requirements in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Current releases to the Feather River were decreased from 2,500 cfs to 2,300 cfs on December 20 due to decreased water requirements downstream and for conservation. 
*all reservoir data as of midnight 12/19/19
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December 13, 2019
Lake Oroville Community Update
​Notification: The California Department of Water Resources will be sending out the weekly Oroville Community Update email newsletter from a new email subscription management service starting January 1, 2020. Subscriber information previously provided to NationBuilder will be moved to the California Natural Resources Agency’s ListServe 16.0 supported by L-Soft. Subscribers who do not want their information moved to CNRA’s ListServe 16.0 can unsubscribe from receiving the Oroville Community Update by December 27, 2019. Unsubscribe from receiving the Oroville Community Update.  Please email oroville@water.ca.gov if you have any questions.
Oroville Field Division Starts Controlled Burns in Lake Oroville’s McCabe cove     
Every spring, Oroville Field Division (OFD) maintenance crews collect floating debris carried into Lake Oroville by winter rains from the three forks of the Feather River. Logs, branches and other floating debris is secured and towed to a remote cove on the Feather River’s South Fork arm of the lake. As summer water deliveries lower lake levels, the floating debris is deposited on the shoreline. After the first rains of the season, OFD’s maintenance crews pile the logs into small piles for burning. The public is advised to use caution if visiting the area. These controlled burns will continue until all the debris is removed.
Hydroseeding at Spillway Reconstruction Area Prevents Erosion
Areas of the hillsides near Oroville Dam’s reconstructed main spillway will appear bright green due to the application of a hydroseed mix for site stabilization and erosion control. The hydroseed mix helps to reestablish a root structure in the soil profile to hold it in place. Native species such as yarrow, fescue, California poppy and lupine will help to restore natural ground cover and the green-colored bonded fiber matrix will hold the mix together until the seed can germinate. Hydroseeding is one component of the Oroville Spillways Emergency Recovery Project’s site rehabilitation activities that are scheduled over the next several years.
California Experiences Many Types of Flooding – Are you Prepared?
After a dry summer and fall, wet winter storms add storage to the state’s reservoirs. Yet flooding caused by heavy rains can have devastating results and without proper preparedness, lives, homes, infrastructure and agriculture are at risk of being lost. This winter, be prepared with an emergency evacuation kit, pay attention to weather forecasts and listen to local authorities. Being aware of your risk, because being prepared and taking action can help keep you and your family safe. Visit DWR’s Flood Preparedness Week webpage for more flood safety tips.
DWR Installation of New Lighting on Main Spillway to Occur in 2020
Following manufacturer’s instructions, new lighting installed on Oroville Dam’s main spillway will remain on for a continuous 72-hour period as part of activation testing. It’s anticipated this testing period will now take place after the first of the year. The public’s patience is appreciated as DWR complies with the lights’ activation requirements. After testing is complete, the lights will then be used intermittently based on operational needs.
California Natural Resources Agency’s Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission Public Meeting
Thank you to everyone who participated in the second Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission meeting, which took place on Wednesday, Nov. 20 in Oroville. A summary and transcript of the meeting will be uploaded to the Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission webpage in the coming weeks. Details about the Commission’s next meeting and information about the Commission is available on the Commission webpage.
Spillway Boat Ramp Area Holiday and Winter Access Hours
The winter access schedule for Lake Oroville’s Spillway Boat Ramp provides daily public access to the area from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Motorists are urged to turn on headlights and pay attention to pedestrian and bicyclist safety.
Walkers, joggers and bicyclists may continue to enjoy daily access on the pedestrian lane on the lakeside of Dam Crest/Oroville Dam Road from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., as well as parking at the Upper Overlook. These access hours for Dam Crest/Oroville Dam Road will remain the same through the winter months.
Current Lake Operations
The elevation of Oroville reservoir nearly 782 feet and storage is about 1.9 million acre-feet. Daily average inflows to the lake have ranged between approximately 4,890 cfs (cubic feet per second) to 11,270 cfs over the past week.
Rain and snow is in the forecast for December 14 and 15 with the chance for additional rain during the week of December 16.   
Water is being released from Lake Oroville at a rate of about 3,300 cfs. Water from the reservoir is being used locally for rice decomposition and to support waterfowl habitats and is also being used to meet Feather River flow and environmental requirements in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. 
 *all reservoir data as of midnight 12/12/19
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Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.

December 6, 2019Lake Oroville Community UpdateDWR Installation of New Lighting on Main Spillway
Following manufacturer’s instructions, new lighting installed on Oroville Dam’s main spillway will remain on for a continuous 72-hour period as part of activation testing. It’s anticipated this testing period will now take place in mid-December. The public’s patience is appreciated as DWR complies with the lights’ activation requirements. After testing is complete, the lights will then be used intermittently based on operational needs.
California Natural Resources Agency’s Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission Public Meeting
Thank you to everyone who participated in the second Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission meeting, which took place on Wednesday, Nov. 20 in Oroville. A summary and transcript of the meeting will be uploaded to the Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission webpage in the coming weeks. Details about the Commission’s next meeting and information about the Commission is also available on the webpage.
During the site visit at Oroville Dam as part of last week’s Commission meeting, DWR referenced a briefing held in May with a team of experts known as the Board of Consultants on how the main spillway performed when it was used in April 2019. A link to the recap of that briefing can found here. 
Spillway Boat Ramp Area Holiday and Winter Access Hours
The winter access schedule for Lake Oroville’s Spillway Boat Ramp provides daily public access to the area from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Motorists are urged to turn on headlights and pay attention to pedestrian and bicyclist safety.
Walkers, joggers and bicyclists may continue to enjoy daily access on the pedestrian lane on the lakeside of Dam Crest/Oroville Dam Road from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., as well as parking at the Upper Overlook. These access hours for Dam Crest/Oroville Dam Road will remain the same through the winter months.
Current Lake Operations
The elevation of Oroville reservoir is nearly 777 feet and storage is about 1.9 million acre-feet. Daily average inflows to the lake have ranged between 3,100 cfs to 6,300 cfs over the past week.
There is about 3 to 4 inches of precipitation projected in the Feather River basin December 6 through 8 with average inflows ranging between 4,000 cfs to 11,000 cfs. For the week of December 9, high pressure is expected to build following the anticipated storm over the weekend. Storm activity is currently being directed to the north with no forecasted precipitation expected for the Feather River watershed. The forecast also suggests the potential for weak atmospheric river activity to reach the basin between Dec. 11 – Dec. 13. DWR will continue to monitor forecasts as they evolve.
The water needs from Lake Oroville are about 3,600 cfs. This includes about 1,100 cfs used locally for rice decomposition and waterfowl habitat and about 2,500 cfs to the high flow channel of the Feather River, downstream of the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet, to meet Feather River flow and environmental requirements in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
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Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.

November 27, 2019Lake Oroville Community UpdateDWR Installation of New Lighting on Main Spillway
Following manufacturer’s instructions, new lighting installed on Oroville Dam’s main spillway will remain on for a continuous 72-hour period as part of activation testing. It’s anticipated this testing period will now take place in mid-December. The public’s patience is appreciated as DWR complies with the light’s activation requirements. After testing is complete, the lights will then be used intermittently based on operational needs.
California Natural Resources Agency’s Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission Public Meeting
Thank you to everyone who participated in the second Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission meeting, which took place on Wednesday, Nov. 20 in Oroville. A summary and transcript of the meeting will be uploaded to the Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission webpage in the coming weeks. Details about the Commission’s next meeting and information about the Commission is also available on the webpage.
During the site visit at Oroville Dam as part of last week’s Commission meeting, DWR referenced a briefing held in May with a team of experts known as the Board of Consultants on how the main spillway performed when it was used in April 2019. A link to the recap of that briefing can found here.  
Spillway Boat Ramp Area Holiday and Winter Access Hours
The winter access schedule for Lake Oroville’s Spillway Boat Ramp provides daily public access to the area from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Motorists are urged to turn on headlights and pay attention to pedestrian and bicyclist safety.
Walkers, joggers and bicyclists may continue to enjoy daily access on the pedestrian lane on the lakeside of Dam Crest/Oroville Dam Road from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., as well as parking at the Upper Overlook. These access hours for Dam Crest/Oroville Dam Road will remain the same through the winter months.
Current Lake Operations
The elevation of Oroville reservoir is 775 feet and storage is about 1.9 million acre-feet. Daily average inflows to the lake have ranged between 1,950 cfs to 2,100 cfs over the past week.
Precipitation is expected for the week of Dec. 2 in the Feather River watershed. A change in the weather is expected to begin on Monday night through Tuesday with the basin expecting between five and six inches of precipitation over the next six days. Freezing elevations will range from 4,000 to 6,500 feet enabling snow to accumulate. Beyond this week, the unsettled pattern continues with possible additional systems dropping down from the Gulf of Alaska.
Water demands from Lake Oroville are about 1,700 cfs and actual releases will vary throughout the day and week based upon power generation schedules. Water from the reservoir continues to be used locally for rice decomposition and waterfowl habitat and released to meet environmental and flow requirements in the Feather River, as well as downstream in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Releases for local diversions are approximately 1,500 cfs and the scheduled releases to the high flow channel of the Feather River, downstream of the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet, are 2,450 cfs.
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Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.

November 15, 2019Lake Oroville Community UpdateUPDATE: The Lake Oroville Community Updates will be distributed bi-weekly beginning Friday, November 22.
California Natural Resources Agency to Host Second Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission Public Meeting
The California Natural Resources Agency is hosting its second Citizens Advisory Commission meeting on Wednesday, November 20, 2019. The meeting will begin with a site visit to Oroville Dam followed by a public meeting with presentations and the opportunity for public comment. The site visit and meeting are both open to members of the community.
The site visit will convene at the Oroville Dam Overlook Parking Area at the north end of Oroville Dam Crest/Oroville Dam Road from 8:45 a.m. to 10 a.m. Department of Water Resources staff will provide an overview of Oroville Dam facilities and answer questions from Commission members and the public. The Commission meeting will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the Southside Community Center, 2959 Lower Wyandotte Road, Oroville and end at 1 p.m. Additional information and directions can be found here.
The Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission, created by Senate Bill 955 (Nielsen) in 2018, established a new public forum for discussing issues related to Oroville Dam facilities. The Commission, housed within the California Natural Resources Agency, represents the communities surrounding Oroville Dam for the purposes of providing public input and receiving information from state agencies related to the Oroville Dam, including its appurtenant structures, the Feather River Fish Hatchery, and the Oroville-Thermalito Complex.
Access to Spillway Boat Ramp Area Closed Monday Morning for Lighting Work
Work to install new main spillway lighting will require closure of the access road to the Spillway Boat Ramp area on Monday, November 18, from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  The temporary closure will help insure worker safety. Dam Crest/Oroville Dam Road will remain open to vehicles as well as pedestrians and bicyclists from the south end of Oroville Dam to the Overlook Parking Lot. Vehicle access to the Spillway Boat Ramp area will resume at 1 p.m. Monday, returning to the winter access hours of 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Noteworthy News
~~ This week, KCRA Sacramento produced a feature highlighting the lessons learned from the Oroville spillways incident and the current safety status of the reconstructed Oroville spillways. The feature discussed new safety measures implemented since the incident, including Oroville Dam’s compliance with requirements for additional emergency action safety plans as well as new, different sounding sirens on Butte County Sheriff’s Office vehicles to signal evacuation alerts to the public.
~~ Residents in Butte, Yuba, Sutter and Sacramento counties received an insert titled “Oroville Dam: Part of our Community” in their Sacramento Valley newspapers as part of DWR’s ongoing effort to educate and inform the public about the role Oroville Dam and the State Water Project play in managing and protecting our state’s water systems. The informational insert provides information about the history of Oroville Dam, the benefits it provides for the Oroville community and surrounding region, how the facility is operated and maintained, and the reconstruction efforts on the main and emergency spillways. Copies of the insert are available at the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Spillway Boat Ramp Area Holiday and Winter Access Hours
The new winter access schedule for Lake Oroville’s Spillway Boat Ramp Area allows the public daily access to the area from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Motorists are urged to turn on headlights and pay attention to pedestrian and bicyclist safety.
Walkers, joggers and bicyclists continue to enjoy daily access on the pedestrian lane on the lakeside of Dam Crest/Oroville Dam Road from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., as well as parking at the Upper Overlook. These access hours for the Dam Crest/Oroville Dam Road will remain the same through the winter months.
Current Lake Operations
The elevation of Oroville reservoir is 780 feet and storage is just under 2 million acre-feet. There is no rainfall in the 5-day forecast for the Feather River watershed and daily average inflows to the lake have ranged between 1,700 cfs to 2,100 cfs over the past week. Water releases from Lake Oroville are about 3,650 cfs and will vary throughout the day and week based upon power generation schedules.  Water from the lake continues to be used locally for rice decomposition and waterfowl habitat and released to meet environmental and flow requirements in the Feather River, as well as downstream in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The scheduled releases to the high flow channel of the Feather River, downstream of the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet, are 2,450 cfs.
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