  A Year in Review Northern California’s significant rain and snow levels in 2023 continued to benefit Lake Oroville at the start of 2024. Rising reservoir levels from January storms prompted DWR to conduct flood control releases from Oroville Dam’s main spillway for the second year in a row. Releases began Jan. 31 and continued intermittently throughout the spring, providing critical flood protection to downstream communities. DWR maintains storage space in Lake Oroville during the typical wet weather months to ensure adequate space remains in the reservoir to capture runoff from rain and spring snowmelt. Releases are coordinated closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other water operators and adjusted as needed. The Feather River watershed received enough precipitation and snowpack runoff in the first months of 2024 to fill Lake Oroville to capacity by early May for the second year in a row. As the largest storage facility in the State Water Project, Lake Oroville helps provide water to 27 million Californians and 750,000 acres of farmland, making spring an important time for water project operators to fill reservoirs ahead of dry months. With a full reservoir providing prime recreation opportunities at the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area, the California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) completed improvements to reopen the Bidwell Canyon Gold Flat Loop Campground. In addition to repaving campground access roads, three of the 37 tent/RV camping sites received accessibility upgrades with parking stalls and a clear path of travel to accessible restroom and shower facilities. Upgrades to the campground also included new water and sewer facilities to complement new power hookups that were completed in recent years.  In late June, DWR announced an update to Lake Oroville’s storage capacity. Because decades had passed since Oroville Dam’s construction, DWR sought to assess whether sedimentation (rock and silt settling on the lakebed floor) had altered Lake Oroville's storage capacity and topography significantly. Using an airplane-mounted LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) laser system and multibeam-sonar bathymetry instruments, highly detailed 3D topographic terrain models of the bottom of the lake were created, which DWR engineers used to calculate a new storage capacity of 3,424,753 acre-feet, approximately 3 percent less than previously estimated.  In early July, the Thompson Fire threatened the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area and several DWR facilities including the Hyatt Powerplant, Field Division main office, and Lake Oroville Visitor Center, with DWR activating its emergency Incident Command Team in response. While normal operations resumed by July 4, several recreation trails near the Diversion Pool and in the Potter’s Ravine area remain closed for repair and hazard tree removal. DWR and State Parks continue to assess fire impacts to recreation facilities and prioritize recovery efforts. In August, DWR’s Oroville Field Division hosted emergency preparedness exercises for staff and partnering local emergency management agencies. A tabletop exercise included a review of the Oroville-Thermalito Complex dams, inundation maps, and an overview of DWR’s incident command team structure which follows National Incident Management System (NIMS) guidelines established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). A second, in-depth functional exercise had DWR staff and emergency management partners responding to a mock emergency scenario. DWR leads emergency preparedness trainings on a yearly basis to ensure Oroville Field Division staff readiness for any type of emergency or incident. The exercises reinforce DWR’s commitment to enhancing emergency preparedness and maintaining relationships and collaboration with local emergency response partners.  Construction work also continued on the River Valve Outlet System (RVOS) at Oroville Dam. The system is a series of two parallel outlet conduits, each with two valves, that have the capacity to draw water from deep in Lake Oroville for release. The RVOS is a critical feature of the dam, providing the ability to discharge cold water to the Feather River to maintain water temperatures necessary for fish health. It also ensures the ability to maintain Feather River flows through RVOS releases during drought years, especially if reservoir levels drop below Hyatt Powerplant’s water intake structures. DWR also made progress on a project to improve a 1.5-mile section of the Brad Freeman Trail between Cherokee Road and the Highway 70 Garden Drive overpass. Work this fall included paving an 8-foot-wide asphalt path and the installation of accessible box gates at trail entrance points, which restrict vehicles while still providing access for equestrians, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Future work is weather dependent and will include a 4-foot-wide decomposed granite path for pedestrians. The improvement project is supported by a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant through the National Park Service, with remaining funding for the $700,000 project provided by DWR.  Fuel load reduction and fire mitigation work continued on DWR property along Oro Dam Blvd. East near the Hyatt Powerplant, the Bidwell Canyon/Kelly Ridge area, and the Loafer Creek State Recreation Area. DWR's Fuel Load Management Plan is reducing hazardous fuels and the risk of catastrophic wildfire by thinning vegetation using hand and mechanical methods, accompanied by chipping. By proactively reducing ground fuels, thinning overgrown vegetation, and removing dead and dying vegetation, firefighters have a better chance at suppressing a wildfire. Between early 2013 and June 2024, DWR and its local partners have treated or retreated more than 2,500 acres of vegetation.  DWR’s Floating Classroom program returned this fall, offering free educational rafting tours on the Feather River to local schools and public members. The Floating Classroom program takes participants through Feather River spawning habitat while scientists with DWR and Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission provide information on Chinook salmon conservation efforts, ongoing and planned research, restoration and monitoring projects, and fisheries management activities supported by DWR’s State Water Project (SWP). This year’s program provided free education to more than 900 local students, parents, and teachers, and over 650 community members.
Annual Chinook salmon spawning activities at the Feather River Fish Hatchery in Oroville were also completed. The Hatchery collected enough eggs to meet its normal production goal of 2 million spring-run fingerlings and 6 million fall-run fingerlings, with additional eggs collected to increase production this year. Another 1 million spring-run and 6 million fall-run Chinook salmon will be produced to address declines in Central Valley Chinook salmon populations during recent years. Chinook salmon fingerlings raised at the Hatchery will be released in the Feather River and San Francisco Bay between March and June to support inland and ocean populations. The Feather River Fish Hatchery is a SWP facility built in the late 1960s by DWR to mitigate impacts on fish migration resulting from the construction of Oroville Dam. DWR owns and maintains the facility and provides funding to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to perform spawning, rearing, and stocking operations. DWR looks forward to initiating and completing more projects in 2025 at the Oroville-Thermalito Complex. The Lake Oroville Community Update will continue to share news and information with the community. Oroville Recreation The Lake Oroville Visitor Center will close all day for the Christmas and New Year holidays. Visitors may still access nearby trails during the holiday closures. The Spillway Day Use Area and Boat Ramp will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Winter hours for the Spillway Day Use Area are in effect through April 30, 2025, with the recreation area open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Upstream migrating fish totals through the Feather River Fish Monitoring Station between Jan. 1 and Dec. 13 are:
Current Lake OperationsLake Oroville is at 791 feet elevation and storage is approximately 2 million acre-feet (MAF), which is 59 percent of its total capacity and 110 percent of the historical average. Feather River flows are at 800 cubic feet per second (cfs) through the City of Oroville with 950 cfs being released from the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet (Outlet) for a total Feather River release of 1,750 cfs downstream. 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 12/19/2024. DWR wishes everyone a happy holiday season. The Lake Oroville Community Update will return on January 10, 2025. ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to [email protected].
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 Salmon Spawning Operations Annual Chinook salmon spawning activities at the Feather River Fish Hatchery in Oroville have been completed. The Hatchery collected enough eggs to meet its normal production goal of 2 million spring-run fingerlings and 6 million fall-run fingerlings, with additional eggs collected to increase production this year. Another 1 million spring-run and 6 million fall-run Chinook salmon will be produced to address declines in Central Valley Chinook salmon populations during recent years. The hatchery’s spawning process collects eggs from returning adult females and milt (sperm) from returning adult male Chinook salmon to fertilize the eggs. After fertilization, the eggs are placed in incubators to develop for approximately 85 days. Once they reach the fry stage and can consume food, they will either be released into the Feather River or transferred to long ponds called raceways at the facility to grow into fingerlings. Chinook salmon fingerlings raised at the Hatchery will be released in the Feather River and San Francisco Bay between March and June to support inland and ocean populations. In addition, DWR and CDFW continued thiamine treatments to combat B1 vitamin deficiencies. This treatment improves the health of the fish, increasing the survival of Chinook salmon from egg to juvenile. The Feather River Fish Hatchery is a California State Water Project (SWP) facility built in the late 1960s by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) to mitigate impacts on fish migration resulting from the construction of Oroville Dam. DWR owns and maintains the facility and provides funding to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to perform spawning, rearing, and stocking operations.  Driftwood Abatement at Lake Oroville DWR’s civil maintenance crews will begin deploying log booms within the next few weeks throughout the various branches of Lake Oroville to capture floating woody debris before it reaches the main body of the lake. With the rainy season underway, inflows into Lake Oroville are expected to increase with strong storms from atmospheric rivers. These higher inflows wash woody debris into the reservoir, which can impact water infrastructure and present a hazard to boaters. Over the next few months, DWR crews will be collecting, containing, and pulling larger pieces of wood out of the lake and away from shoreline areas using boom lines. DWR crews spent a significant amount of time collecting woody debris in Lake Oroville in 2023 and 2024 following heavy storms and high reservoir levels with over 19,000 cubic yards of woody vegetation collected. Floating debris removal ensures continued infrastructure operations and the safety of the recreating public on Lake Oroville. However, boaters and other water recreationists should take precautions when operating watercrafts on Lake Oroville and should remain alert for floating debris. Snow-Cember at the Visitor Center Stop by the Lake Oroville Visitor Center each weekend in December for free winter-themed craft activities for kids three-years-old and up! Located at 917 Kelly Ridge Road in Oroville, the Visitor Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Snow-cember weekend craft activities include:
Staffed by knowledgeable guides, the Lake Oroville 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.  Lakeside Access Road Closed Rising reservoir levels at Lake Oroville from recent storms have required the closure of Lakeside Access Road at Oroville Dam. While Lakeside Access Road is closed, vehicle access to the Spillway Boat Ramp and Day Use Area is available daily between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m., with all vehicles and trailers subject to inspection by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) for security purposes. There are three other boat ramps at Lake Oroville that are open 24 hours per day and do not entail CHP inspections: Bidwell Canyon, Loafer Point, and Lime Saddle.  Oroville Recreation
Lake Oroville is one of the State Water Project’s premier recreational destinations and one of California’s best fishing spots. The lake provides both warm-water and cold-water fisheries, with excellent bass fishing opportunities during the fall and winter months. Be sure to check California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) fishing regulations before fishing. The marinas at Bidwell Canyon and Lime Saddle are open daily and provide a variety of services including a convenience store, gas, boat rentals, and more. DWR, the California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks), and CDFW maintain over 92 miles of trails in the Oroville area. An interactive map of recreation facilities, including open trails and their permitted uses (hike, bike, horse, multi), is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. A paper trail map is available at various locations, including most entrance kiosks and the Lake Oroville Visitor Center. Upstream migrating fish totals through the Feather River Fish Monitoring Station between Jan. 1 and Nov. 24 are:
Current Lake OperationsLake Oroville is at 785 feet elevation and storage is approximately 1.94 million acre-feet (MAF), which is 57 percent of its total capacity and 108 percent of the historical average. Feather River flows are at 800 cubic feet per second (cfs) through the City of Oroville with 950 cfs being released from the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet (Outlet) for a total Feather River release of 1,750 cfs downstream. DWR continues to assess Feather River releases daily. In November a series of atmospheric rivers brought heavy rainfall to Northern California, with Lake Oroville experiencing an approximate 26-foot rise in elevation between Nov. 19 and Nov. 30 due to runoff. Incoming weekend storms are expected to further raise water levels at Lake Oroville, but with the reservoir currently at 56 percent of its total capacity, there is still ample storage to capture storm runoff while providing flood control protection for the Feather River and downstream communities. Water inflows to the reservoir during November storms were as high as 64,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) while outflows in the Feather River through Oroville remained at a minimum of 800 cfs. DWR took advantage of the recent storm systems to capture as much water as possible in Lake Oroville, while continuing to support environmental and water delivery needs to 27 million Californians. 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 12/12/2024. ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to [email protected]. Snow-Cember at the Visitor Center Stop by the Lake Oroville Visitor Center each weekend in December for free winter-themed craft activities for kids three-years-old and up! Located at 917 Kelly Ridge Road in Oroville, the Visitor Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Snow-cember weekend craft activities include:
Staffed by knowledgeable guides, the Lake Oroville 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.  Lakeside Access Road Closed Rising reservoir levels at Lake Oroville from recent storms have required the closure of Lakeside Access Road at Oroville Dam. While Lakeside Access Road is closed, vehicle access to the Spillway Boat Ramp and Day Use Area is available daily between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m., with all vehicles and trailers subject to inspection by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) for security purposes. There are three other boat ramps at Lake Oroville that are open 24 hours/day and do not entail CHP inspections: Bidwell Canyon, Loafer Point, and Lime Saddle. Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission The California Natural Resources Agency hosted its 18th Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission meeting on Dec. 6. In addition to public comment, the Commission received an update on winter forecasts and operations preparation from the Department of Water Resources (DWR); an overview of a recent joint State-local Oroville Dam emergency response training exercise led by DWR; a presentation from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on its process to update the Water Control Manual, which prescribes day-to-day water flood control management for the Oroville Reservoir; and a commissioner-led presentation on how the Water Control Manual relates to public safety, including perspectives on public safety-focused objectives for the update. The Citizens Advisory Commission is a forum for questions and feedback from the communities surrounding Oroville Dam. For information on the meeting, please visit the Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission website. A transcript of the virtual meeting will be available on the webpage in the coming weeks.  DWR Announces Initial State Water Project Allocation for 2025 DWR announced an initial State Water Project (SWP) allocation forecast of five percent of requested supplies for 2025. The SWP provides water to 29 public water agencies that serve 27 million Californians. The December initial water supply forecast is the first allocation of the new water year and is based on current reservoir storage and conservative assumptions for precipitation to come. For comparison, last year, the initial allocation for Water Year 2024 was 10 percent of requested supplies and it eventually increased to 40 percent by the end of the season. The initial allocation forecast announced today does not take into account the series of strong storms that brought precipitation to above average across Northern California in the last two weeks of November. These storms will be taken into account along with other variables for future allocation updates. Prior to these storms, the start of the water year had been dry and warm. More information about the allocation announcement may be found in DWR’s press release.  Feather River Fishing Opportunities Like Chinook salmon that migrate from the Pacific Ocean to the Feather River to spawn, steelhead trout have similar migratory practices, with most returning in the fall and winter months. With more than 1,300 steelhead trout migrating upstream from DWR’s fish monitoring station this year, the cooler months offer prime steelhead fishing opportunities in the Feather River. These fish have typically spent a year or two in the ocean and range in size from 2 to 8 pounds. The Oroville Wildlife Area (OWA) provides walk-in access to several miles of the Feather River for fishing, along with multiple locations for launching fishing boats (4-wheel-drive vehicles recommended). In addition, the Thermalito Afterbay offers excellent fishing opportunities for steelhead that were raised at the Feather River Fish Hatchery and range in size from 2 to 4 pounds. Lake Oroville is also one of the State Water Project’s premier recreational destinations and one of California’s best fishing spots. The lake provides both warm-water and cold-water fisheries, with excellent bass fishing opportunities during the fall and winter months. Be sure to check California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) fishing regulations before fishing. The marinas at Bidwell Canyon and Lime Saddle are open daily and provide a variety of services including a convenience store, gas, boat rentals, and more.  Oroville Recreation
DWR, the California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks), and CDFW maintain over 92 miles of trails in the Oroville area. An interactive map of recreation facilities, including open trails and their permitted uses (hike, bike, horse, multi), is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. A paper trail map is available at various locations, including most entrance kiosks and the Lake Oroville Visitor Center. Upstream migrating fish totals through the Feather River Fish Monitoring Station between Jan. 1 and Nov. 1 are:
Current Lake OperationsLake Oroville is at 783 feet elevation and storage is approximately 1.92 million acre-feet (MAF), which is 56 percent of its total capacity and 108 percent of the historical average. Feather River flows are at 800 cubic feet per second (cfs) through the City of Oroville with 950 cfs being released from the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet (Outlet) for a total Feather River release of 1,750 cfs downstream. 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 12/5/2024. ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to [email protected]. Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission The California Natural Resources Agency is hosting its 18th Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission meeting. The virtual public meeting will include presentations and public comment. Presentations will include an update on winter forecasts and operations preparation from the Department of Water Resources (DWR); an overview of a recent joint State-local Oroville Dam emergency response training exercise led by DWR; a presentation from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on its process to update the Water Control Manual, which prescribes day-to-day water flood control management for the Oroville Reservoir; and a commissioner-led presentation on how the Water Control Manual relates to public safety, including perspectives on public safety-focused objectives for the update. The Citizens Advisory Commission is a forum for questions and feedback from communities surrounding Oroville Dam. For information about the meeting, please visit the Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission website.  Feather River Fishing Opportunities Like Chinook salmon that migrate from the Pacific Ocean to the Feather River to spawn, steelhead trout have similar migratory practices, with most returning in the fall and winter months. With more than 1,300 steelhead trout migrating upstream from DWR’s fish monitoring station this year, the cooler months offer prime steelhead fishing opportunities in the Feather River. The Oroville Wildlife Area (OWA) provides walk-in access to several miles of the Feather River for fishing. In addition, the Thermalito Forebay and Thermalito Afterbay offer additional excellent fishing opportunities for steelhead. Lake Oroville is also one of the State Water Project’s premier recreational destinations and one of California’s best fishing spots. The lake provides both warm-water and cold-water fisheries, with excellent bass fishing opportunities during the fall and winter months. Be sure to check California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) fishing regulations before fishing. The marinas at Bidwell Canyon and Lime Saddle are open daily and provide a variety of services including a convenience store, gas, boat rentals, and more.  Watch for Ticks on Trails DWR staff are reporting high numbers of ticks this fall along Lake Oroville State Recreation Area trails and within vegetated or grassy portions of the Oroville Wildlife Area (OWA). Ticks are parasites that feed off the blood of a host such as an animal or human. They live in vegetated areas and crawl to the tips of grasses, brush, leaves, or branches and wait for a host to brush up against them. Ticks can carry diseases including Lyme Disease, which can be transmitted to a host and cause serious illness and long-term health issues. When recreating around Lake Oroville and the OWA, protect yourself from ticks using these methods:
 Exercising at Oroville Dam While Oroville Dam plays a critical role in providing flood protection to downstream communities, it is also a prime location for physical fitness. A 1.3-mile paved road and separated two-lane multi-use path runs the length of the dam’s crest, offering an opportunity for exercise while enjoying scenic views of both Lake Oroville and the valley. Free parking is available on either side of the dam’s crest with restroom facilities located at the intersection of Canyon Drive and Oroville Dam Crest Road. Additional nearby parking is available at the Oroville Dam Crest Overlook, with a short path connecting to the dam crest road. For early birds or late-night fitness enthusiasts, the dam crest path has full lighting, making it a great location for free outdoor recreation during the shorter daylight hours of the autumn and winter months. DWR, the California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks), and CDFW maintain over 92 miles of trails in the Oroville area. An interactive map of recreation facilities, including open trails and their permitted uses (hike, bike, horse, multi), is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. A paper trail map is available at various locations, including most entrance kiosks and the Lake Oroville Visitor Center.  Oroville Recreation
Staffed by knowledgeable guides, the Lake Oroville 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. Upstream migrating fish totals through the Feather River Fish Monitoring Station between Jan. 1 and Nov. 1 are:
Current Lake OperationsLake Oroville is at 758 feet elevation and storage is approximately 1.68 million acre-feet (MAF), which is 49 percent of its total capacity and 95 percent of the historical average. Feather River flows are at 800 cubic feet per second (cfs) through the City of Oroville with 950 cfs being released from the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet (Outlet) for a total Feather River release of 1,750 cfs downstream. 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 11/21/2024. DWR wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. The Lake Oroville Community Update will return on December 6, 2024. ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to [email protected].  Exercising at Oroville Dam While Oroville Dam plays a critical role in providing flood protection to downstream communities, it is also a prime location for physical fitness. A 1.3-mile paved road and separated two-lane multi-use path runs the length of the dam’s crest, offering an opportunity for exercise while enjoying scenic views of both Lake Oroville and the valley. Free parking is available on either side of the dam’s crest with restroom facilities located at the intersection of Canyon Drive and Oroville Dam Crest Road. Additional nearby parking is available at the Oroville Dam Crest Overlook, with a short path connecting to the dam crest road. For early birds or late-night fitness enthusiasts, the dam crest path has full lighting, making it a great location for free outdoor recreation during the shorter daylight hours of the autumn and winter months. The Department of Water Resources (DWR), the California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks), and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) maintain over 92 miles of trails in the Oroville area. An interactive map of recreation facilities, including open trails and their permitted uses (hike, bike, horse, multi), is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. A paper trail map is available at various locations, including most entrance kiosks and the Lake Oroville Visitor Center.  Vegetation Management Activities DWR and its partners have resumed Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) activities on DWR property along Oro Dam Blvd. East near the Hyatt Powerplant, the Bidwell Canyon/Kelly Ridge area, and the Loafer Creek State Recreation Area. This multi-year project is reducing hazardous fuels and the risk of catastrophic wildfire by thinning vegetation using hand and mechanical methods, accompanied by chipping. By proactively reducing ground fuels, thinning overgrown vegetation, and removing dead and dying vegetation, firefighters have a better chance at suppressing a wildfire. HMPG work began in 2023 and is supported by grant funding totaling $667,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to complete a 220-acre hazardous fuels reduction project in the Lake Oroville area. Vegetation management activities may require the intermittent closure of several trails throughout the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area. Trail users should be cautious when entering work areas and obey all posted trail signage. Since 2012, DWR’s Fuel Load Management Plan has helped reduce wildfire risk, increase public safety, and enhance forest health around the Lake Oroville area. Between early 2013 and June 2024, DWR and its local partners have treated or retreated more than 2,500 acres of vegetation. Ongoing vegetation management of this critical area remains a high priority for DWR and its partners at CAL FIRE, Butte County Fire Department, Butte County Sheriff’s Office, the California Conservation Corps (CCC), State Parks, and the Butte County Fire Safe Council.  Salmon Spawning Operations DWR and CDFW continue spawning activities for fall-run Chinook salmon at the Feather River Fish Hatchery in Oroville. As part of their 2- to 5-year lifecycle, fall-run Chinook salmon traditionally migrate from the Feather River to the ocean, and return to the Feather River to spawn. Fall-run start returning as early as July and continue through November. Many make their way to the Hatchery, where DWR and CDFW staff process salmon by collecting, fertilizing, incubating their eggs, then raising and releasing fish. With lingering drought impacts to California Chinook salmon populations, DWR and CDFW have significantly increased Chinook salmon egg collection by several million to boost populations not only in the Feather River, but also in the Central Valley. Chinook salmon raised at the Feather River Fish Hatchery will later be released in the Feather River and San Francisco Bay to support inland and ocean fisheries. In addition, DWR and CDFW continue thiamine treatments to combat B1 vitamin deficiencies. This treatment improves the health of the fish, increasing the survival of Chinook salmon from egg to juvenile.  Oroville Recreation Lake Oroville is one of the State Water Project’s premier recreational destinations and one of California’s best fishing spots. The lake provides both warm-water and cold-water fisheries. Below the Oroville Dam, the Thermalito Forebay, Thermalito Afterbay, and the Feather River offer additional excellent fishing opportunities for Chinook salmon and steelhead. Be sure to check CDFW fishing regulations before you go out fishing. The marinas at Bidwell Canyon and Lime Saddle are open daily and provide a variety of services including a convenience store, gas, boat rentals, and more. Staffed by knowledgeable guides, the Lake Oroville 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. Upstream migrating fish totals through the Feather River Fish Monitoring Station between Jan. 1 and Oct. 19 are:
Current Lake Operations Lake Oroville is at 756 feet elevation and storage is approximately 1.65 million acre-feet (MAF), which is 48 percent of its total capacity and 93 percent of the historical average. Feather River flows are at 800 cubic feet per second (cfs) through the City of Oroville with 950 cfs being released from the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet (Outlet) for a total Feather River release of 1,750 cfs downstream. 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 11/14/2024. California Department of Water Resources
715 P Street Sacramento, CA 95814 Call our general information line at 916-820-8142 or email us at [email protected]   Vegetation Management Activities The Department of Water Resources (DWR) and its partners are resuming Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) activities on DWR property along Oro Dam Blvd. East near the Hyatt Powerplant, the Bidwell Canyon/Kelly Ridge area, and the Loafer Creek State Recreation Area. This multi-year project is reducing hazardous fuels and the risk of catastrophic wildfire by thinning vegetation using hand and mechanical methods, accompanied by chipping. By proactively reducing ground fuels, thinning overgrown vegetation, and removing dead and dying vegetation, firefighters have a better chance at suppressing a wildfire. HMPG work began in 2023 and is supported by grant funding totaling $667,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to complete a 220-acre hazardous fuels reduction project in the Lake Oroville area. Vegetation management activities may require the intermittent closure of several trails throughout the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area. Trail users should be cautious when entering work areas and obey all posted trail signage. Since 2012, DWR’s Fuel Load Management Plan has helped reduce wildfire risk, increase public safety, and enhance forest health around the Lake Oroville area. Between early 2013 and June 2024, DWR and its local partners have treated or retreated more than 2,500 acres of vegetation. Ongoing vegetation management of this critical area remains a high priority for DWR and its partners at CAL FIRE, Butte County Fire Department, Butte County Sheriff’s Office, the California Conservation Corps (CCC), the California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks), and the Butte County Fire Safe Council.  Salmon Spawning Operations DWR and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) continue spawning activities for fall-run Chinook salmon at the Feather River Fish Hatchery in Oroville. As part of their 2- to 5-year lifecycle, fall-run Chinook salmon traditionally migrate from the Feather River to the ocean, and return to the Feather River to spawn. Fall-run start returning as early as July and continue through November. Many make their way to the Hatchery, where DWR and CDFW staff process salmon by collecting, fertilizing, incubating their eggs, then raising and releasing fish. With lingering drought impacts to California Chinook salmon populations, DWR and CDFW have significantly increased Chinook salmon egg collection by several million to boost populations not only in the Feather River, but also in the Central Valley. Chinook salmon raised at the Feather River Fish Hatchery will later be released in the Feather River and San Francisco Bays to support inland and ocean fisheries. In addition, DWR and CDFW continue thiamine treatments to combat B1 vitamin deficiencies. This treatment improves the health of the fish, increasing the survival of Chinook salmon from egg to juvenile.  Spillway Maintenance Activities In early October, DWR completed routine annual cleaning and inspections of Oroville Dam’s main spillway chute to assess the condition of the spillway’s concrete slabs, walls, joint sealant, and dentates (energy dissipators at the base of the spillway structure). Following inspections, minor concrete repairs, slab epoxy coating, and joint sealant work were identified for localized areas of the spillway. Maintenance activities are nearing completion with work expected to be finished by Friday, Nov. 15 depending on weather conditions. While the main spillway continues to perform well and operate as designed, periodic concrete and sealant repairs of the spillway are expected due to seasonal temperature variations, spillway releases, and sun exposure. The spillway was rebuilt to the highest engineering and safety standards with oversight and guidance by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD), and an independent board of consultants. DWR performed a significant amount of inspection and testing throughout construction to verify compliance with project specifications. DWR also provides regular updates to the Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission, a public forum for discussing operations, maintenance, and public safety activities at Oroville Dam and its facilities.  Oroville Recreation Staffed by knowledgeable guides, the Lake Oroville 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. DWR, State Parks, CDFW maintain over 92 miles of trails in the Oroville area. An interactive map of recreation facilities, including open trails and their permitted uses (hike, bike, horse, multi), is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. A paper trail map is available at various locations, including most entrance kiosks and the Lake Oroville Visitor Center. Lake Oroville is one of the State Water Project’s premier recreational destinations and one of California’s best fishing spots. The lake provides both warm-water and cold-water fisheries. Below the Oroville Dam, the Thermalito Forebay, Thermalito Afterbay, and the Feather River offer additional excellent fishing opportunities for Chinook salmon and steelhead. Be sure to check CDFW fishing regulations before you go out fishing. The marinas at Bidwell Canyon and Lime Saddle are open daily and provide a variety of services including a convenience store, gas, boat rentals, and more. Upstream migrating fish totals through the Feather River Fish Monitoring Station between Jan. 1 and Oct. 18 are:
Current Lake Operations Lake Oroville is at 759 feet elevation and storage is approximately 1.69 million acre-feet (MAF), which is 49 percent of its total capacity and 94 percent of the historical average. Feather River flows are at 800 cubic feet per second (cfs) through the City of Oroville with 950 cfs being released from the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet (Outlet) for a total Feather River release of 1,750 cfs downstream. 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 11/7/2024. California Department of Water Resources
715 P Street Sacramento, CA 95814 Call our general information line at 916-820-8142 or email us at [email protected]  Brad Freeman Trail Improvements The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is nearing completion on a project to improve a 1.5-mile section of the Brad Freeman Trail between Cherokee Road and the Highway 70 Garden Drive overpass. In recent weeks, DWR crews finished paving work on an 8-foot-wide asphalt path. This week, crews began installation of accessible box gates at trail entrance points, which restrict vehicles while still providing access for equestrians, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Installation of a 4-foot-wide decomposed granite path for pedestrians is anticipated the week of Nov. 4, with the schedule subject to change based on weather, material, and crew availability. The Brad Freeman Trail between Cherokee Road and Garden Drive may be closed intermittently during work. This improvement project is supported by a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant through the National Park Service, with remaining funding for the $700,000 project provided by DWR.  Annual Grebe Survey Complete During the summer months, a unique bird makes its home in the waters around the Oroville-Thermalito Complex, with a little help from DWR. The Western and Clark’s grebes are aquatic birds with distinctive red eyes and pointed yellow beaks. During the summer, they arrive from the Pacific Ocean to nesting areas around the Thermalito Afterbay in Oroville. The grebes nest in shallow waters, attaching their floating nests to aquatic vegetation under the surface. Every year since 2004, DWR has established a goal of keeping Thermalito Afterbay water levels more consistent during the birds’ nesting season as part of our commitment to addressing wildlife needs. This year’s annual grebe survey was conducted over several weeks with 437 adults and 82 young grebes estimated at the Afterbay. Oroville Recreation Advisory Committee The Oroville Recreation Advisory Committee (ORAC) met Nov. 1 at the Southside Oroville Community Center. ORAC was established by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to review and provide recreation plan recommendations for Oroville Facilities owned by DWR. The 13-member committee is made up of representatives from state and local government, recreation groups, and business and community organizations. To obtain a summary of the meeting, send a request to [email protected].  Vegetation Management Activities Vegetation management activities are ongoing at Loafer Creek within the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area. CAL FIRE, the California Conservation Corps (CCC), the California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks), and Butte County Sheriff’s Office recently conducted a 160-acre prescribed burn throughout Loafer Creek and along HWY 162 (Oro Quincy Highway). Fuel reduction activities such as thinning and chipping are expected to continue for several weeks. Work is part of an ongoing Vegetation Management Plan (VMP) aimed at reducing hazardous fuels to protect local communities, infrastructure, and natural resources. Vegetation management activities will require the intermittent closure of several trails within the Loafer Creek Recreation Area. Trail users should be cautious when entering work areas and obey all posted trail signage. In 2023, DWR was awarded Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds totaling $900,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to complete a 220-acre hazardous fuels reduction project in the Lake Oroville area. Fuel reduction locations include DWR property along Oro Dam Blvd. East, the Bidwell Canyon/Kelly Ridge area, and the Loafer Creek State Recreation Area. This multi-year project is reducing hazardous fuels and the risk of catastrophic wildfire by thinning vegetation using hand and mechanical methods, accompanied by chipping. By proactively reducing ground fuels, thinning overgrown vegetation, and removing dead and dying vegetation, firefighters have a better chance at suppressing a wildfire. DWR’s Fuel Load Management Plan works to reduce wildfire risk, increase public safety, and enhance forest health around the Lake Oroville area. Ongoing vegetation management of this critical area remains a high priority for DWR and its partners at CAL FIRE, Butte County Fire Department, Butte County Sheriff’s Office, the CCC, State Parks, and the Butte County Fire Safe Council.  Oroville Recreation Staffed by knowledgeable guides, the Lake Oroville 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. DWR, State Parks, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) maintain over 92 miles of trails in the Oroville area. An interactive map of recreation facilities, including open trails and their permitted uses (hike, bike, horse, multi), is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. A paper trail map is available at various locations, including most entrance kiosks and the Lake Oroville Visitor Center. Lake Oroville is one of the State Water Project’s premier recreational destinations and one of California’s best fishing spots. The lake provides both warm-water and cold-water fisheries. Below the Oroville Dam, the Thermalito Forebay, Thermalito Afterbay, and the Feather River offer additional excellent fishing opportunities for Chinook salmon and steelhead. Be sure to check CDFW fishing regulations before you go out fishing. The marinas at Bidwell Canyon and Lime Saddle are open daily and provide a variety of services including a convenience store, gas, boat rentals, and more. Upstream migrating fish totals through the Feather River Fish Monitoring Station between Jan. 1 and Oct. 15 are:
Current Lake Operations
Lake Oroville is at 764 feet elevation and storage is approximately 1.73 million acre-feet (MAF), which is 50 percent of its total capacity and 96 percent of the historical average. Feather River flows are at 800 cubic feet per second (cfs) through the City of Oroville with 950 cfs being released from the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet (Outlet) for a total Feather River release of 1,750 cfs downstream. 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 10/31/2024. California Department of Water Resources 715 P Street Sacramento, CA 95814 Call our general information line at 916-820-8142 or email us at [email protected] Oroville Recreation Advisory Committee The Oroville Recreation Advisory Committee (ORAC) will hold a meeting on Friday, Nov. 1 at 10 a.m. at the Southside Oroville Community Center located at 2959 Lower Wyandotte Road, Oroville, CA, 95966. ORAC was established by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to review and provide recreation plan recommendations for Oroville Facilities owned by the Department of Water Resources (DWR). The 13-member committee is made up of representatives from State and local government, recreation groups, and business and community organizations.  Flood Preparedness Week After two consecutive years with major flood events across the state, DWR is using California Flood Preparedness Week, which runs from Oct. 19 through Oct. 26, to encourage all Californians to prepare for flood season. With California just experiencing one of the hottest summers on record, it might be hard to think about dangerous, extreme flooding. But a warmer atmosphere can also hold more moisture, increasing the power of atmospheric river storms that hit the state and cause widespread flooding. Research increasingly shows that California’s climate will become hotter and drier, but the precipitation the state does receive will arrive in more powerful storms that can lead to bigger and more frequent flood flows. More than seven million California residents are at risk of flooding, and many don’t realize it. Flooding can occur throughout the state, from rural to urban areas, in valley and desert communities, in mountain regions, and along the coast. Communities that are downslope of recent wildfires are also especially prone to flash floods and debris slides, with landscapes impacted by wildfires taking up to five years to recover. To prepare for flooding, all Californians should follow three basic steps:
For information on obtaining flood insurance, visit https://www.floodsmart.gov/ For information on how you can prepare your household for flood emergencies, visit https://www.ready.gov/kit  Vegetation Management Activities This week, CAL FIRE, the California Conservation Corps (CCC), the California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks), and Butte County Sheriff’s Office crews successfully conducted a 160-acre prescribed burning throughout Loafer Creek Recreation Area and along Highway162 (Oro Quincy Highway). The controlled burn is part of an ongoing Vegetation Management Plan (VMP) aimed at reducing hazardous fuels to protect local communities, infrastructure, and natural resources. Fuel reduction activities such as thinning and chipping are expected to continue for several weeks. Crews have been working onsite for the past two months preparing for the burn. During this period, vegetation and trees were trimmed and scattered across the units to create a low intensity burn environment and fire control lines were set up to divide the burn area into smaller, manageable sections, minimizing risk to nearby residents and infrastructure. Vegetation management activities will require the intermittent closure of several trails within the Loafer Creek Recreation Area. Trail users should be cautious when entering work areas and obey all posted trail signage. In 2023, DWR was awarded Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds totaling $900,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to complete a 220-acre hazardous fuels reduction project in the Lake Oroville area. Fuel reduction locations include DWR property along Oro Dam Blvd. East, the Bidwell Canyon/Kelly Ridge area, and the Loafer Creek State Recreation Area. This multi-year project is reducing hazardous fuels and the risk of catastrophic wildfire by thinning vegetation using hand and mechanical methods, accompanied by chipping. By proactively reducing ground fuels, thinning overgrown vegetation, and removing dead and dying vegetation, firefighters have a better chance at suppressing a wildfire. DWR’s Fuel Load Management Plan works to reduce wildfire risk, increase public safety, and enhance forest health around the Lake Oroville area. Ongoing vegetation management of this critical area remains a high priority for DWR and its partners at CAL FIRE, Butte County Fire Department, Butte County Sheriff’s Office, the CCC, State Parks, and the Butte County Fire Safe Council.  Oroville Recreation DWR, State Parks, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) maintain over 92 miles of trails in the Oroville area. An interactive map of recreation facilities, including open trails and their permitted uses (hike, bike, horse, multi), is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. A paper trail map is available at various locations, including most entrance kiosks and the Lake Oroville Visitor Center. Lake Oroville is one of the State Water Project’s premier recreational destinations and one of California’s best fishing spots. The lake provides both warm-water and cold-water fisheries. Below the Oroville Dam, the Thermalito Forebay, Thermalito Afterbay, and the Feather River offer additional excellent fishing opportunities for Chinook salmon and steelhead. Be sure to check CDFW fishing regulations before you go out fishing. The marinas at Bidwell Canyon and Lime Saddle are open daily and provide a variety of services including a convenience store, gas, boat rentals, and more. Staffed by knowledgeable guides, the Lake Oroville 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. Upstream migrating fish totals through the Feather River Fish Monitoring Station between Jan. 1 and Oct. 1 are:
Current Lake Operations Lake Oroville is at 766 feet elevation and storage is approximately 1.75 million acre-feet (MAF), which is 51 percent of its total capacity and 95 percent of the historical average. Feather River flows are at 800 cubic feet per second (cfs) through the City of Oroville with 1,650 cfs being released from the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet (Outlet) for a total Feather River release of 2,450 cfs downstream. Total Feather River releases will be reduced to 1,750 cfs the week of Oct. 28. 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 10/24/2024. California Department of Water Resources
715 P Street Sacramento, CA 95814 Call our general information line at 916-820-8142 or email us at [email protected]  Vegetation Management Activities The Department of Water Resources (DWR) has resumed vegetation management activities at Loafer Creek within the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area. CAL FIRE, the California Conservation Corps (CCC), the California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks), and Butte County Sheriff’s Office crews are removing ladder fuels and preparing units throughout Loafer Creek and along HWY 162 (Oro Quincy Highway) for prescribed burning that is anticipated Wednesday, Oct. 23 through Friday, Oct. 25 depending on weather conditions. Vegetation management activities will require the intermittent closure of several trails within the Loafer Creek Recreation Area. Trail users should be cautious when entering work areas and obey all posted trail signage. Smoke from prescribed burning activities will be visible in the Oroville area. In 2023, DWR was awarded Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds totaling $900,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to complete a 220-acre hazardous fuels reduction project in the Lake Oroville area. Fuel reduction locations include DWR property along Oro Dam Blvd. East, the Bidwell Canyon/Kelly Ridge area, and the Loafer Creek State Recreation Area. This multi-year project is reducing hazardous fuels and the risk of catastrophic wildfire by thinning vegetation using hand and mechanical methods, accompanied by chipping. By proactively reducing ground fuels, thinning overgrown vegetation, and removing dead and dying vegetation, firefighters have a better chance at suppressing a wildfire. DWR’s Fuel Load Management Plan works to reduce wildfire risk, increase public safety, and enhance forest health around the Lake Oroville area. Ongoing vegetation management of this critical area remains a high priority for DWR and its partners at CAL FIRE, Butte County Fire Department, Butte County Sheriff’s Office, the CCC, State Parks, and the Butte County Fire Safe Council.  Brad Freeman Trail Improvements DWR is making progress on a project to improve a 1.5-mile section of the Brad Freeman Trail between Cherokee Road and the Highway 70 Garden Drive overpass. This week DWR crews began paving work to construct an 8-foot-wide asphalt path. Paving activities are expected to last through Oct. 24 with the work schedule subject to change based on material and crew availability. The Brad Freeman Trail between Cherokee Road and Garden Drive will remain closed during paving work. Additional planned trail upgrades include a 4-foot-wide decomposed granite path for pedestrians and the replacement of existing entrance bollards with wider, accessible box gates. The improvement project is supported by a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant through the National Park Service, with remaining funding for the $700,000 project provided by DWR. Project work is being constructed in phases with completion possible this year depending on weather conditions.  Oroville Wildlife Area The 11,800-acre Oroville Wildlife Area (OWA) is a forested upland and riparian habitat along the Feather River and around the Thermalito Afterbay. Managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), in partnership with DWR, the OWA allows for additional outdoor recreation activities such as hunting, river- and pond-oriented fishing and boating, and wildlife observation and photography. Several trails cross throughout the OWA, providing opportunities for hiking and biking. The Feather River runs through the center of the OWA and several locations provide unpaved boat ramp access that accommodate both car-top and trailer launching. The OWA also provides anglers with walk-in access to 10 miles of the Feather River, one of the best steelhead fishing rivers in the state. Steelhead are a top-tier sportfish with steelhead season in full swing right now. Savvy anglers are fishing roe and egg-fly patterns in the riffles below spawning Chinook salmon. The OWA is a “Type C” wildlife area (hunting pass not required) and is open for hunting seven days a week with entry hours limited from 1.5 hours before sunrise to one hour after sunset. No rifles or pistols may be used or possessed on the wildlife area except at the designated shooting range (Rabe Rd. Shooting Range off Larkin Rd.; open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset). Lead ammunition cannot be used while hunting in California.  Oroville Recreation DWR, State Parks, and CDFW maintain over 92 miles of trails in the Oroville area. An interactive map of recreation facilities, including open trails and their permitted uses (hike, bike, horse, multi), is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. A paper trail map is available at various locations, including most entrance kiosks and the Lake Oroville Visitor Center. Lake Oroville is one of the State Water Project’s premier recreational destinations and one of California’s best fishing spots. The lake provides both warm-water and cold-water fisheries. Below the Oroville Dam, the Thermalito Forebay, Thermalito Afterbay, and the Feather River offer additional excellent fishing opportunities for Chinook salmon and steelhead. Be sure to check CDFW fishing regulations before you go out fishing. The marinas at Bidwell Canyon and Lime Saddle are open daily and provide a variety of services including a convenience store, gas, boat rentals, and more. Staffed by knowledgeable guides, the Lake Oroville 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. Upstream migrating fish totals through the Feather River Fish Monitoring Station between Jan. 1 and Oct. 1 are:
Current Lake Operations Lake Oroville is at 769 feet elevation and storage is approximately 1.78 million acre-feet (MAF), which is 52 percent of its total capacity and 96 percent of the historical average. Feather River flows are at 800 cubic feet per second (cfs) through the City of Oroville with 1,650 cfs being released from the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet (Outlet) for a total Feather River release of 2,450 cfs downstream. 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 10/17/2024. California Department of Water Resources
715 P Street Sacramento, CA 95814 Call our general information line at 916-820-8142 or email us at [email protected]  Brad Freeman Trail Improvements The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is making progress on a project to improve a 1.5-mile section of the Brad Freeman Trail between Cherokee Road and the Highway 70 Garden Drive overpass. Starting Tuesday, October 15, DWR crews will begin paving work to construct an 8-foot-wide asphalt path. Paving activities are expected to last for two weeks with the work schedule subject to change based on material and crew availability. The Brad Freeman Trail between Cherokee Road and Garden Drive will remain closed during paving work. Additional planned trail upgrades include a 4-foot-wide decomposed granite path for pedestrians and the replacement of existing entrance bollards with wider, accessible box gates. The improvement project is supported by a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant through the National Park Service, with remaining funding for the $700,000 project provided by DWR. Project work is being constructed in phases with completion possible this year depending on weather conditions.  Oroville Wildlife Area The 11,800-acre Oroville Wildlife Area (OWA) is a forested upland and riparian habitat along the Feather River and around the Thermalito Afterbay. Managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) in partnership with DWR, the OWA allows for additional outdoor recreation activities such as hunting, river- and pond-oriented fishing and boating, and wildlife observation and photography. Several trails cross throughout the OWA, providing opportunities for hiking and biking. Other trails within the OWA are not officially designated and none are ADA accessible. The Feather River runs through the center of the OWA and several locations provide unpaved boat ramp access. Both car-top and trailer launching occur at many of these ramps. A restroom is available at the day use/camping area adjacent to the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet area. The OWA is a “Type C” wildlife area (hunting pass not required) and is open for hunting seven days a week with entry hours limited from 1.5 hours before sunrise to one hour after sunset. No rifles or pistols may be used or possessed on the wildlife area except at the designated shooting range (Rabe Rd. Shooting Range off Larkin Rd.; open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset). Lead ammunition cannot be used while hunting in California.  Water Control Manual Update Informational Meeting The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Sacramento District will host a public meeting on October 15 to share information regarding water control manual updates for New Bullards Bar and Oroville Dams. The meeting will be held from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Sutter County Veterans Memorial Building at 1425 Veterans Memorial Circle in Yuba City. USACE will present information on its water control manual update process, purpose and need, key issues, and the process timeline. Following the presentation, audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions regarding the update process. Comment cards will also be available to submit questions or comments. Water Control Manuals are the operational procedures that guide storm-season operations to ensure dam owners comply with federal rules related to flood management for the protection of downstream communities. Updates to the Water Control Manuals for Oroville and New Bullards Bar are being considered to reflect recent improvements to forecasting and coordinated operations between the two reservoirs.  Oroville Recreation Lake Oroville is one of the State Water Project’s premier recreational destinations and one of California’s best fishing spots. The lake provides both warm-water and cold-water fisheries. Below the Oroville Dam, the Thermalito Forebay, Thermalito Afterbay, and the Feather River offer additional excellent fishing opportunities for Chinook salmon and steelhead. The marinas at Bidwell Canyon and Lime Saddle are open daily and provide a variety of services including a convenience store, gas, boat rentals, and more. DWR, the California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks), and CDFW maintain over 92 miles of trails in the Oroville area. An interactive map of recreation facilities, including open trails and their permitted uses (hike, bike, horse, multi), is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. A paper trail map is available at various locations, including most entrance kiosks, the Lake Oroville Visitor Center, and the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center. Staffed by knowledgeable guides, the Lake Oroville 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. Upstream migrating fish totals through the Feather River Fish Monitoring Station between Jan. 1 and Sept. 28 are:
Current Lake Operations Lake Oroville is at 772 feet elevation and storage is approximately 1.81 million acre-feet (MAF), which is 53 percent of its total capacity and 97 percent of the historical average. Feather River flows are at 800 cubic feet per second (cfs) through the City of Oroville with 2,200 cfs being released from the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet (Outlet) for a total Feather River release of 3,000 cfs downstream. 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 10/10/2024. California Department of Water Resources
715 P Street Sacramento, CA 95814 Call our general information line at 916-820-8142 or email us at [email protected] |
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