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​

March 25, 2022

Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission
The 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.
DWR Announces Revised Water AllocationLast week, DWR announced it must reduce the State Water Project allocation to 5 percent of requested supplies for 2022. DWR previously set the allocation at 15 percent, but a historically dry January and February with no significant storms forecast for March requires a reduction in the allocation to conserve available water supply. In addition to the 5 percent allocation, DWR will also provide any unmet critical health and safety needs of the 29 water agencies that contract to receive State Water Project supplies.
“We are experiencing climate change whiplash in real time with extreme swings between wet and dry conditions. That means adjusting quickly based on the data and the science,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “While we had hoped for more rain and snow, DWR has been preparing for a third consecutive year of drought since October. We are continuing with a series of actions to balance the needs of endangered species, water supply conservation, and water deliveries for millions of Californians.”
DWR will make its next assessment of the State Water Project allocation following the next snow survey on April 1. A final allocation for the water year is typically announced in May or June. Read the full news release on the DWR News webpage. 

​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.
This year scientists are observing wildflowers blooming earlier, likely due to drought conditions, which has reduced the number of “wet” vernal pools found. Scientists also noticed that the areas where CAL FIRE performed controlled burns around the Thermalito Forebay last year to remove invasive grass buildup, or ‘thatch’, and other invasive plants, are abundant with flowers – demonstrating the benefit of such activity on area grasslands and vernal pools.

Boat Ramp Closures
A speed boat timed trial event on the Thermalito Afterbay is scheduled for April 1 to April 3. The event requires that 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.
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 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 746 feet elevation and storage is about 1.64 million acre-feet, which is 47 percent of its total capacity and 67 percent of historical average. Temperatures over the weekend and next week are forecasted to be in the 70s with a chance of rain over the weekend. 
The average daily inflows this week have been around 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.
Total flows to the Feather River are 2,500 cfs. Flow in the low-flow channel through the City of Oroville is 650 cfs and flow through the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet currently is 1,850 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 3/24/2022​

March 18, 2022

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.
This year scientists are observing wildflowers blooming earlier, likely due to drought conditions, which has reduced the number of “wet” vernal pools found. Scientists also noticed that the areas where CAL FIRE performed controlled burns around the Thermalito Forebay last year to remove invasive grass buildup, or ‘thatch’, and other invasive plants, are abundant with flowers – demonstrating the benefit of such activity on area grasslands and vernal pools.

Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission
​The California Natural Resources Agency is hosting its tenth Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission meeting on Friday, March 25, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The public meeting will be held online and will include presentations and public comment. The Commission will receive brief facilities updates from the Department of Water Resources (DWR), receive a flood risk presentation, discuss public safety partnerships, and listen to public input.
The Citizens Advisory Commission is a forum to provide public feedback from the communities surrounding Oroville Dam. For information on how to join the virtual meeting, visit https://bit.ly/OrovilleCAC. 

​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 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 743 feet elevation and storage is about 1.61 million acre-feet, which is 46 percent of its total capacity and 68 percent of historical average. Temperatures over the weekend are forecasted to be cooler in the low-60s and about a 0.5 inch of rain in the Feather River Basin is expected. Dry and warmer temperatures in the mid- to-upper-80s are projected to occur next week.
The average daily inflows this week have been around 3,000 to 4,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) and are projected to continue at this rate next week. Inflows are subject to change based upon on actual weather conditions.
Total flows to the Feather River are 2,500 cfs. Flow in the low-flow channel through the City of Oroville is 650 cfs and flow through the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet currently is 1,850 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 3/17/2022

March 11, 2022

Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission
The California Natural Resources Agency is hosting its tenth Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission meeting on Friday, March 25, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The public meeting will be held online and will include presentations and public comment. The Commission will receive brief facilities updates from the Department of Water Resources (DWR), receive a flood risk presentation, discuss public safety partnerships, and listen to public input.
The Citizens Advisory Commission is a forum to provide public feedback from the communities surrounding Oroville Dam. For information on how to join the virtual meeting, please visit https://bit.ly/OrovilleCAC. 

Snowpack Survey
​The Department of Water Resources (DWR) conducted the third snow survey of the season March 1 at Phillips Station near Echo Summit. Following a January and February that will enter records as the driest documented in state history, the manual survey recorded 35 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent of 16 inches, which is 68 percent of average for this location for March.
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 63 percent of average for this date. “With only one month left in California’s wet season and no major storms in the forecast, Californians should plan for a third year of drought conditions,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. 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. 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 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 744 feet elevation and storage is about 1.62 million acre-feet, which is 46 percent of its total capacity and 70 percent of historical average. Temperatures over the weekend are forecasted to be in the high 60s to low 70s and high 40s to mid-50s. Next week’s temperatures are forecasted to range between high 60s to low 70s and high 40s at night. Precipitation is forecast early next week, with a possibility of light precipitation in the Feather River watershed over the weekend.
The average daily inflows this week have been around 3,200 cubic feet per second (cfs). Inflows through the weekend and next week are forecasted to be around 2,500 cfs. Inflows are subject to change based upon on actual weather conditions.
Total flows to the Feather River are 5,500 cfs. Starting Saturday, March 12, the flows will decrease, and by Monday, March 14, the total flow will be 2,500 cfs. Flow in the low-flow channel through the City of Oroville is 650 cfs and flow through the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet currently is 4,850 cfs, decreasing to 1,850 on Monday, March 14. 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 3/10/2022

March 4, 2022

Snowpack Survey
​The Department of Water Resources (DWR) conducted the third snow survey of the season Tuesday at Phillips Station near Echo Summit. Following a January and February that will enter records as the driest documented in state history, the manual survey recorded 35 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent of 16 inches, which is 68 percent of average for this location for March.
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 63 percent of average for this date. “With only one month left in California’s wet season and no major storms in the forecast, Californians should plan for a third year of drought conditions,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. 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.   

FEATHER RIVER HATCHERY STEELHEAD PLANTING
​The Feather River Fish Hatchery 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 in December 2021 and February 2022. This is a significant increase from normal planting years and will contribute to a more productive recreational fishery. 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.

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 746 feet elevation and storage is about 1.64 million acre-feet, which is 46 percent of its total capacity and 73 percent of historical average. Temperatures over the weekend are forecasted to be in the upper-60s to mid-30s. Next week’s temperatures are forecasted to range between low-70s to low-40s at night. 
The average daily inflows this week have been around 3,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). Inflows through the weekend and next week are forecasted to be around 3,000 cfs to 3,500 cfs. Inflows are subject to change based upon on actual weather conditions.
Total flows to the Feather River are 5,250 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 4,600 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 3/3/2022

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 18, 2022

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. 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.

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.

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

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 28, 2022
Oroville Recreation Advisory Committee
The Oroville Recreation Advisory Committee will hold a public virtual meeting on Friday, Feb. 4 at 9 a.m. Interested persons can join the meeting on Zoom at https://ca-water-gov.zoom.us/j/86898170840?pwd=VmRadjZsQmQrVGpJWk1jayt1UHI5Zz09 or visit the DWR Events webpage.

ORAC was established by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to review and provide recommendations regarding DWR’s recreation plan for the Project-2100 – Oroville Facilities. The 13-member committee is made up of representatives from state and local government, sports and recreation groups, and business and community organizations.
Loafer Point Boat Ramp
The Loafer Point Stage II boat ramp has reopened for boat launching. The first construction phase of the new boat ramp was completed in May 2021, adding six boat launch lanes to 707 feet, 180 trailered parking spaces, and offering immediate access to the open waters of Lake Oroville. Falling lake levels due to drought conditions forced its closure a month later in June 2021.

Taking advantage of historic low lake elevations, construction to extend three of the six boat launch lanes further into the lakebed to improve low-water access to Lake Oroville began the first week of October and succeeded in constructing lanes to 675 feet before rising lake elevations prevented further work. With lake elevations currently at 744 feet, all six lanes of the Stage II boat ramp are currently available.

The Loafer Point Stage I boat ramp was completed in 2020 and added three new boat launch lanes from a full lake down to 805 feet, a new parking area, and a restroom facility. Both boat ramps are adjacent to the Loafer Creek Recreation Day Use Area and Campground, rounding out a full-service recreation destination with nearby trails, campgrounds, boating, and marina. Excepting the Loafer Point Stage II boat ramp and the trails network, the remainder of the Loafer Creek Recreation Area is currently closed due to waterline repair. Trails within the Loafer Creek Recreation Area can be accessed from the Bidwell Saddle Dam Trailhead located on Kelly Ridge Road.
Photo: Loafer Point Stage II boat ramp with six lanes for boat launching

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.