  May 7, 2021 Loafer Point Stage II Boat Ramp Opens The newly completed Loafer Point Boat Ramp facility is now open for use. The six-lane boat ramp has 180 trailered parking spaces and provides immediate access to the open waters of Lake Oroville. This Stage II facility will provide boat launch capability when lake elevations go as low as 707 feet above sea level. As lake levels are anticipated to drop further due to drought conditions, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) is planning to extend the ramp to lower lake elevations this fall and winter. 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 and a new parking area. The new restroom facilities will be in service when the water levels rise above elevation 805 feet. 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. Photo: Loafer Point Boat Ramp Facility - Stage I in background, Stage II in foreground with Bidwell Canyon Marina in distance on right Oroville Recreation Advisory Committee to Meet The Oroville Recreation Advisory Committee (ORAC) met May 7. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting was not open to the public to protect public health. ORAC was established by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to review and provide recommendations regarding the Department of Water Resources (DWR) Recreation Plan for the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area. To obtain a summary of the meeting, send a request to oroville@water.ca.gov. Upper Feather Lakes Open for Recreation Many Plumas National Forest recreation sites in the Frenchman Lake and Lake Davis Recreation Areas are now open. Lower water levels may affect placement of boat docks and limit what size boats may be launched. Information about campground availability and reservations can be found at www.Recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777. Campgrounds along Caribou Road in the Feather River Canyon (Highway 70) are also open; however, Lakes Basin and Gold Lake campgrounds remain covered in snow and will open later in the season. Visit Plumas National Forest’s recreation webpage for information.  CAL FIRE Announces Wildfire Prevention Week at Loafer Creek CAL FIRE chose the Loafer Creek Recreation Area as one of three locations in California to kick off their annual “Wildfire Preparedness Week”. The CAL FIRE events are held to raise awareness and encourage the public to take a hands-on approach in wildfire preparedness. The event also highlighted how CAL FIRE is preparing for the 2021 fire season, including using prescribed fire and vegetation management programs such as their partnership with DWR’s Fuel Load Management Plan (FLMP) to reduce wildfire risk, increase public safety, and enhance forest health in areas around Lake Oroville. CAL FIRE continues hazardous fuels reduction activities at Loafer Creek within the North Complex wildfire burn scar. Crews are using heavy equipment and hand crews to cut, pile, and chip burnt vegetation and trees. The piles will be burned this fall when conditions are safe for burning. The project is visible to motorists on Highway 162. The public is advised to use caution around work activities and reduce speeds around crews and equipment. Photo: Before and after photos showing removal of overgrown vegetation and hazardous fuels at Bidwell Canyon recreation area.  Oroville Recreation The Lime Saddle, Bidwell Canyon, and Spillway boat ramps are open for use, along with the newly opened Loafer Point boat Stage II launch facility. The California Department of Parks and Recreation (CA Parks) has opened their camping reservations for camping areas around Lake Oroville, including the Lake’s floating campgrounds. Lime Saddle group camping remains closed. Summer access hours of 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily are now in effect for the Spillway Boat Ramp Area - gates close at 11 p.m. Hours of access for motorists to Oroville Dam Crest Road is 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round; it is accessible to bicyclists, joggers, and walkers 24 hours per day. Please note that overnight parking in the lot above the main spillway is not permitted. Day use facilities and trails at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) are open 8 a.m. to sunset, except for Bidwell, Lime Saddle, and Loafer Creek, which are open 24 hours. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center remains closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Visit the California Parks LOSRA webpage for current information on facility status, campground reservations, and to find current requirements to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Information can also be found on the Lake Oroville Recreation webpage and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage.  Oroville Wildlife Area Habitat Project
The nearly 12,000-acre Oroville Wildlife Area (OWA) in Butte County is a popular stopping place on the Pacific Flyway for migrating and native birds. Managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) for DWR, the OWA also includes DWR’s Thermalito Afterbay reservoir, a prime habitat for migrating waterfowl and several endangered species. CDFW farms over 300 acres of grains, grasses, and flowering plants in the OWA to provide food (forage), shelter, and nesting cover for migratory and native birds, including 60 acres in various locations around the Thermalito Afterbay were planted with sunflowers and safflowers. Read more about CDFW’s 50 years of using dry-land farming techniques to add diversity to the area’s wildlife habitat on the DWR Updates webpage. DWR will be tracking the success of these 60 acres over the summer and photos can be found on DWR’s photo shelter page “Pixel” by using the search term “Oroville Wildlife Area Planting”. Photo: Plowing and seeding at Oroville Wildlife Area near the Thermalito Afterbay Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 728 feet elevation and storage is about 1.48 million acre-feet -- 42 percent full and 51 percent of historical average. Currently, in the Northern Sierra Basin, rainfall is below average, at 48 percent of normal for this time of year and snowpack is also below average at 10 percent of normal. Warm and dry conditions are forecast for the foreseeable future. Because of warmer temperatures and dry conditions, additional flows are needed to meet Bay-Delta water quality and outflow. Flows to the Feather River increased from 800 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 1200 cfs on May 5 and May 6. Current flows down the low flow channel through the City of Oroville are at 650 cfs and 550 cfs is being released from the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet (Outlet) for a total of 1,200 cfs downstream of the Outlet. The public can track precipitation, snow, reservoir levels, and more at the California Data Exchange Center at www.cdec.water.ca.gov. Lake Oroville is identified as “ORO”. All data as of midnight 5/6/2021 ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.   April 30, 2021 Summer Hours In Effect at Spillway Summer access hours of 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily are now in effect for the Spillway Boat Ramp Area, Spillway Day Use Area, Potter’s Ravine, and North Fork Trails. While overnight parking for lake users is permitted in this parking lot, no egress is allowed from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Hours of access to Oroville Dam Crest Road for motorists is 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round and accessible to bicyclists, joggers, and walkers 24 hours per day. Please note that overnight parking in the lot above the main spillway is not permitted. CAL FIRE to Conduct Rescue Training Exercise A confined space rescue training will be held at the Edmund Hyatt Hydroelectric Powerplant on May 6 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The training will involve numerous CAL FIRE personnel and equipment which will be visible to the public in different locations around Oroville Dam and the Hyatt Powerplant. The public is advised this is a training exercise to provide participants with “real-time” rescue experiences to learn and refresh skills related to emergency preparedness and response. Oroville Wildlife Area Habitat Project The nearly 12,000-acre Oroville Wildlife Area (OWA) in Butte County is a popular stopping place on the Pacific Flyway for migrating and native birds. Managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) for DWR, the OWA also includes DWR’s Thermalito Afterbay reservoir, a prime habitat for migrating waterfowl and several endangered species. CDFW farms over 300 acres of grains, grasses, and flowering plants in the OWA to provide food (forage), shelter, and nesting cover for migratory and native birds. Recently, 60 acres in various locations around the Thermalito Afterbay were planted with sunflowers and safflowers. Read more about CDFW’s 50 years of using dry-land farming techniques to add diversity to the area’s wildlife habitat on the DWR Updates webpage. DWR will be tracking the success of these 60 acres over the summer and photos can be found on DWR’s photo shelter page “Pixel” by using the search term “Oroville Wildlife Area Planting”. Photo: Plowing and seeding at Oroville Wildlife Area near the Thermalito Afterbay  Thousands of Salmon Released Into Lake Oroville On April 23, CDFW released 100,800 triploid fall-run ‘inland’ Chinook fingerling salmon into Lake Oroville at the Spillway Boat Ramp. These inland Chinook about 4 to 5 inches in length were raised at the Feather River Fish Hatchery to support recreational fishing opportunities at Lake Oroville. Triploid fish are infertile, or unable to reproduce. This allows the fish to grow larger instead of putting energy into reproducing. Hatchery operations mitigate impacts to Feather River fish migration resulting from the construction of Oroville Dam. DWR built, maintains, and funds the Feather River Fish Hatchery in partnership with CDFW staff who conduct fish spawning, rearing, and stocking activities at the hatchery. The Hatchery’s fish planting program has been in operation since 1968. A virtual tour of the Hatchery can be viewed on DWR’s YouTube channel and additional information can be found on the CDFW website. Photo: Inland Chinook salmon released into Lake Oroville  Loafer Creek Fuels Reduction Work In partnership with Butte County Fire Safe Council (BCFSC), DWR has removed overgrown and hazardous vegetation from 13 acres along Highway 162 and Loafer Creek Road as part of DWR’s Fuel Load Management Plan (FLMP) to reduce wildfire risk, increase public safety, and enhance forest health in areas around Lake Oroville. In another project, work crews from the Butte County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) are chipping previously cut and piled underbrush near the Loafer Creek Loop trail on the west side of the Loafer Creek Recreation Area. Work will continue for the next several weeks and may be visible and audible to the public. CAL FIRE continues hazardous fuels reduction activities at Loafer Creek within the North Complex wildfire burn scar. Crews are using heavy equipment and hand crews to cut, pile, and chip burnt vegetation and trees. The piles will be burned this fall when conditions are safe to burn. Both projects are visible to motorists on Highway 162. The public is advised to use caution around work activities and reduce speeds around crews and equipment. To date, DWR’s FLMP has treated approximately 700 acres around the Lake Oroville area. DWR has the goal of treating and/or retreating an additional 1,000 acres over the next five years. Photo: Crews perform brush clearing work at Loafer Creek Recreation Area  Oroville Recreation
The Lime Saddle, Bidwell Canyon, and Spillway boat ramps are open for use. The California Department of Parks and Recreation (CA Parks) has opened their camping reservations for camping areas around Lake Oroville, including the Lake’s floating campgrounds. Lime Saddle group camping remains closed. Reservations for camping can be made online by selecting the ‘Reservations’ tab on the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) webpage. The reservations system needs 48 hours’ notice to process reservations. “Day-of” access to campgrounds is possible if campsites are available. All day use facilities at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) are open. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center remains closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. DWR and CA Parks invite outdoor enthusiasts to visit the area’s 91 miles of trails, including the 41-mile long Brad Freeman Trail. Mountain bikers, hikers, equestrians, and bicyclists can find trail information on DWR’s interactive map on the Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. Visit the California Parks LOSRA webpage for current information on facility status as well as current requirements to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic. For information about the Oroville Wildlife Area, including the Thermalito Afterbay, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage. Photo: Floating campsite on Lake Oroville Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 728 feet elevation and storage is about 1.48 million acre-feet -- 42 percent full and 52 percent of historical average. Currently, in the Northern Sierra Basin, rainfall is below average, at 48 percent of normal for this time of year and snowpack is also below average at 23 percent of normal. Warm and dry conditions are forecast for the foreseeable future. DWR continues to reduce releases to conserve water while maintaining flows to meet Bay-Delta water quality needs and outflow requirements. Flows to the Feather River decreased from 1,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 800 cfs on April 29. Current flows down the low flow channel through the City of Oroville are at 650 cfs and 150 cfs is being released from the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet (Outlet) for a total of 800 cfs downstream of the Outlet. The public can track precipitation, snow, reservoir levels, and more at the California Data Exchange Center at www.cdec.water.ca.gov. Lake Oroville is identified as “ORO”. All data as of midnight 4/29/2021 ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.  April 23, 2021 Loafer Creek Fuels Reduction Work The Department of Water Resources (DWR), in partnership with Butte County Fire Safe Council (BCFSC), started a 13-acre vegetation management project along Highway 162 and Loafer Creek Road on April 22. Green Mountain Contracting is using hand crews to thin and chip overgrown and hazardous vegetation. A one-lane road closure will be needed along the entrance to Loafer Creek Recreation Area when crews are chipping. CAL FIRE continues hazardous tree and vegetation fuels reduction activities at Loafer Creek within the North Complex wildfire burn scar. Crews are using heavy equipment and hand crews to cut, pile, and chip burnt vegetation and trees. The piles will be burned this fall when conditions are safe to burn. Both projects are visible to motorists on Highway 162. The public is advised to use caution around work activities and reduce speeds around crews and equipment. This work is part of DWR’s Fuel Load Management Plan (FLMP) to reduce wildfire risk, increase public safety, and enhance forest health in areas around Lake Oroville. To date, approximately 700 acres have been treated around the Lake Oroville area by DWR and its partners including CAL FIRE, the California Conservation Corps, BCFSC, Butte County Sheriff’s Office, and California Department of Parks and Recreation. DWR has the goal of treating and/or retreating an additional 1,000 acres over the next 5 years. Photo: Crews perform brush clearing work at Loafer Creek Recreation Area  Restoration of Spillway Hillside The hillsides near Oroville Dam’s reconstructed main spillway are blooming with flowers and vegetation in areas which received an application of a hydroseed mix for site stabilization and erosion control in 2019. The hydroseed mix helps to reestablish a root structure in the soil profile to hold it in place Winter and spring rains over the past two winters have made the ‘improved’ soil better able to support the germinating of the native species seeds also included in the 2019 hydroseed mix. Native species such as yarrow, fescue, California poppy, fiddleneck, and lupine help to restore natural ground cover and improve soil conditions. Hydroseeding is one component of the Oroville Spillways Emergency Recovery Project’s site rehabilitation activities that are scheduled over the next several years. Photo: California Poppies and lupine grow above the Thermalito Diversion Pool. Summer Hours In Effect at Spillway Summer access hours of 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily are now in effect for the Spillway Boat Ramp Area, Spillway Day Use Area, Potter’s Ravine and North Fork Trails, as well as access to the top of the “Burma Climb” portion of the Brad Freeman Trail which is popular with mountain bikers for its challenging downhill route. Hours of access to Oroville Dam Crest Road for motorists, bicyclists, joggers, and walkers is 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round. Please note that overnight parking in the lot above the main spillway is not permitted.  Oroville Recreation
The Lime Saddle, Bidwell Canyon, and Spillway boat ramps are open for use. Bidwell Canyon and Lime Saddle boat ramps are open 24-hours per day and the Spillway boat ramp is now open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. The Loafer Creek Boat Ramp remains out of the water. Construction of the brand-new Loafer Point Boat Ramp is nearing completion and will be open later this spring. The California Department of Parks and Recreation (CA Parks) has opened their camping reservations for camping areas around Lake Oroville, including the Lake’s floating campgrounds. Lime Saddle group camping remains closed. Reservations for camping can be made online by selecting the ‘Reservations’ tab on the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) webpage. All day use facilities at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) are open. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center remains closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. The LOSRA webpage at https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=462 has current information on facility status as well as current requirements to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recreation information can be found in DWR’s interactive map at https://water.ca.gov/Programs/State-Water-Project/SWP-Facilities/Oroville/Lake-Oroville-Recreation. For information about the Oroville Wildlife Area, including the Thermalito Afterbay, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Oroville-WA. Photo: Camping at Lake Oroville Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 729 feet elevation and storage is about 1.49 million acre-feet -- 42 percent full and 53 percent of historical average. Currently, in the Northern Sierra Basin, rainfall is below average, at 48 percent of normal for this time of year and snowpack is also below average at 27 percent of normal. Rain is forecast this weekend through Monday, April 26, with the heaviest precipitation occurring on Sunday, April 25. Warm, dry weather returns for the remainder of the week. DWR continues to plan to reduce releases to conserve water while maintaining flows to meet Bay-Delta water quality needs and outflow requirements. Currently, the total flows to the Feather River remain at 1,100 cubic feet per second (cfs) - 800 cfs down the low flow channel through the City of Oroville and 300 cfs through the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet (Outlet). From April 26 to April 30, releases to the Feather River will decrease from the current 1,100 cfs to 800 cfs. At that time, flows down the low flow channel through the City of Oroville will be 650 cfs and 150 cfs from the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet (Outlet) for a total of 800 cfs downstream of the Outlet. The public can track precipitation, snow, reservoir levels, and more at the California Data Exchange Center at www.cdec.water.ca.gov. Lake Oroville is identified as “ORO”. All data as of midnight 4/22/2021 ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.  April 16, 2021 Governor Visits Fuels Reduction Work Governor Gavin Newsom visited the Loafer Creek Recreation Area near Lake Oroville to sign a $536 million wildfire package on April 13. This money will go towards forest management projects and efforts to reduce wildfire risks around California, including projects in Butte County. Governor Newsom visited a work site where CAL FIRE, in partnership with Department of Water Resources (DWR), has crews actively working in the Loafer Creek Recreation Area within the North Complex wildfire burn scar. Crews are using heavy machinery and hand crews to cut, pile, and chip burnt vegetation and trees. The piles will be burned after rains begin later this fall. Operations are visible to motorists on Highway 162. This work is part of CAL FIRE’s Vegetation Management Program and DWR’s Fuel Load Management Plan (FLMP). Both plans aim to reduce wildfire risk, increase public safety, and enhance forest health in areas around Lake Oroville. Nearly 3,000 acres are targeted as part of DWR’s FLMP. To date, approximately 700 acres have been treated around the Lake Oroville area by DWR and its partners including CAL FIRE, the California Conservation Corps, Butte County Fire Safe Council (BCFSC), Butte County Sheriff’s Office, and California Department of Parks and Recreation (CA Parks). Previous FLMP work in the Loafer Creek area is credited for helping slow the North Complex wildfire, allowing firefighters time to establish the fire line that protected the communities of Kelly Ridge and Oroville. DWR, in partnership with BCFSC, will begin a vegetation management project along Highway 162 and Loafer Creek Road starting the week of April 19. This 13-acre project will take approximately one month to reduce overgrown vegetation and hazardous fuels. A one-lane road closure may be needed along the entrance to Loafer Creek Recreation Area. The public is advised to use caution around work activities and reduce speeds around crews and equipment. Photo: Reducing fire risk and burned trees at Loafer Creek Recreation Area  DWR Begins Monitoring Vernal Pools Some grasslands, including areas around Butte County, have an underlying impervious layer of rock or clay that causes rainwater to pond in the winter and spring, creating seasonal wetlands called vernal pools. Although vernal pools are only a small component of our local grasslands in terms of area, they support a remarkably high diversity of plants and animals, including rare and endangered species and species endemic to California (i.e., found nowhere else in the world). Vernal pool organisms and plants are highly specialized to their unique environment and to the Mediterranean-type climate found in California. They have adapted to living in pools that fill in the winter but are completely dry by the summer, as well as adapting to the sometimes-extreme variability in temperature and rainfall between years. Vernal pools are important targets for conservation because most vernal pools in California have been lost to development, agriculture, and habitat degradation from invasive plants. Vernal pools often support spectacular wildflowers that bloom from March to May. Each spring, Department of Water Resources (DWR) Environmental Scientists from the Oroville Field Division monitor hundreds of vernal pools around the Oroville area and make assessments on how protection measures for these valuable environmental resources are succeeding. Photo: Native flower "tidy tips" in vernal pool area Additional Campgrounds Open at Lake Oroville The California Department of Parks and Recreation (CA Parks) has opened their camping reservations for group camping at Loafer Creek Recreation Area, including the Equestrian Group campground, the Bloomer Point, Bloomer Knoll, and Bloomer Cove boat-in campgrounds, the Foreman Creek boat-in campground, and the floating campgrounds located around Lake Oroville. Lime Saddle group camping remains closed. Reservations for camping can be made online by selecting the ‘Reservations’ tab on the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) webpage. The reservations system needs 48 hours’ notice to process reservations. “Day-of” access to campgrounds is possible if campsites are available.  Oroville Recreation
The Lime Saddle, Bidwell Canyon, and Spillway boat ramps are open for use. Bidwell Canyon and Lime Saddle boat ramps are open 24-hours per day and the Spillway boat ramp is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The Loafer Creek Boat Ramp remains out of the water. Construction of the brand-new Loafer Point Boat Ramp is nearing completion and will be open later this spring. The Roy Rogers Trail in the Loafer Creek Recreation Area, previously closed weekdays for hazardous tree removal, is now open. All day use facilities at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area are open. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center remains closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. DWR and CA Parks invite outdoor enthusiasts to visit the area’s 91 miles of trails, including the 41-mile long Brad Freeman Trail. Mountain bikers, hikers, equestrians, and bicyclists can find trail information on DWR’s interactive map on the Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. Visit the California Parks LOSRA webpage for current information on facility status as well as current requirements to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic. For information about the Oroville Wildlife Area, including the Thermalito Afterbay, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage. Photo: Roy Rogers Trail in Loafer Creek Recreation Area after hazardous trees and underbrush removal project Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 728 feet elevation and storage is about 1.48 million acre-feet -- 42 percent full and 54 percent of historical average. Currently, in the Northern Sierra Basin, rainfall is below average, at 49 percent of normal for this time of year and snowpack is also below average at 39 percent of normal. Dry and warm conditions are forecasted this weekend and into the week of April 19. DWR continues plans to reduce releases to conserve water while maintaining flows to meet Bay-Delta water quality needs and outflow requirements. On Friday, total flows to the Feather River were reduced to 1,100 cfs. At this total Feather River flow, there is 800 cfs down the low flow channel through the City of Oroville and 300 cfs through the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet (Outlet). From April 19 to April 21, releases to the Feather River will decrease from the current 1,100 cfs to 800 cfs by Wednesday, April 21. At that time, flows down the low flow channel through the City of Oroville will be 650 cfs and 150 cfs from the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet (Outlet) for a total of 800 cfs downstream of the Outlet. The public can track precipitation, snow, reservoir levels, and more at the California Data Exchange Center at www.cdec.water.ca.gov. Lake Oroville is identified as “ORO”. All data as of midnight 4/15/2021 ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.  April 9, 2021 DWR Begins Monitoring Vernal Pools Some grasslands, including areas around Butte County, have an underlying impervious layer of rock or clay that causes rainwater to pond in the winter and spring, creating seasonal wetlands called vernal pools. Although vernal pools are only a small component of our local grasslands in terms of area, they support a remarkably high diversity of plants and animals, including rare and endangered species and species endemic to California (i.e., found nowhere else in the world). Vernal pool organisms and plants are highly specialized to their unique environment and to the Mediterranean-type climate found in California. They have adapted to living in pools that fill in the winter but are completely dry by the summer, as well as adapting to the sometimes-extreme variability in temperature and rainfall between years. Vernal pools are important targets for conservation because most vernal pools in California have been lost to development, agriculture, and habitat degradation from invasive plants. Vernal pools often support spectacular wildflowers that bloom from March to May. Each spring, Department of Water Resources (DWR) Environmental Scientists from the Oroville Field Division monitor hundreds of vernal pools around the Oroville area and make assessments on how protection measures for these valuable environmental resources are succeeding. Photo: Native flower "tidy tips" in vernal pool area Additional Campgrounds Open at Lake Oroville The California Department of Parks and Recreation (CA Parks) has opened up reservations for the Bloomer Point, Bloomer Knoll, and Bloomer Cove boat-in campgrounds, the Foreman Creek boat-in campground, and the floating campgrounds located around Lake Oroville. Group camping at Loafer Creek Recreation Area opens on April 15. Lime Saddle group camping remains closed. Reservations for camping can be made online by selecting the ‘Reservations’ tab on the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) webpage. The reservations system needs 48 hours’ notice to process reservations. “Day-of” access to campgrounds is possible if campsites are available.  Oroville Recreation The Lime Saddle, Bidwell Canyon, and Spillway boat ramps are open for use. Bidwell Canyon and Lime Saddle boat ramps are open 24-hours per day and the Spillway boat ramp is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The Loafer Creek Boat Ramp remains out of the water. Construction of the brand-new Loafer Point Boat Ramp is nearing completion and will be open later this spring. The Roy Rogers Trail in the Loafer Creek Recreation Area, previously closed weekdays for hazardous tree removal, is now open. All day use facilities at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area are open. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center remains closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. DWR and CA Parks invite outdoor enthusiasts to visit the area’s 91 miles of trails, including the 41-mile long Brad Freeman Trail. Mountain bikers, hikers, equestrians, and bicyclists can find trail information on DWR’s interactive map on the Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. Visit the California Parks LOSRA webpage for current information on facility status as well as current requirements to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic. For information about the Oroville Wildlife Area, including the Thermalito Afterbay, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage. Photo: Family hike on the Brad Freeman Trail near the Thermalito Diversion Pool  Goats Reduce Vegetation Near Diversion Pool
A herd of 350 to 400 goats from Hanski Family Farms LLC were successful in reducing hazardous fuels in nearly five acres in the Lakeland Boulevard area this past week. DWR partnered with the Butte County Fire Safe Council (BCFSC) on this grazing project to reduce the fire risk from grasses, leaves, invasive and non-invasive plants, and other vegetation. This work is part of DWR’s Fuel Load Management Program, which was started in 2012 to reduce hazardous fuels within the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) project boundary. DWR, along with partners CAL FIRE, the California Conservation Corps, BCFSC, Butte County Sheriff’s Office, and California Department of State Parks and Recreation (CA Parks), are all working together to accomplish the same common goal -- reduce wildfire risk, increase public safety, and enhance forest health in areas around Lake Oroville. To date, approximately 675 acres have been treated around the Lake Oroville area by DWR and its partners. Photo: Goats perform fuel reduction grazing on Lakeland Blvd. near the Thermalito Diversion Pool Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 725 feet elevation and storage is about 1.46 million acre-feet -- 41 percent full and 54 percent of historical average. Currently, in the Northern Sierra Basin, rainfall is below average, at 50 percent of normal for this time of year and snowpack is also below average at 51 percent of normal. Dry and warm conditions are forecasted this weekend and into the week of April 12. DWR continues to assess releases on a daily basis and still plans to reduce releases to conserve water. As of April 8, total releases to the Feather River are 1,300 cubic feet per second (cfs) to meet Bay-Delta water quality and outflow requirement - 800 cfs down the low flow channel through the City of Oroville and 500 cfs from the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet (Outlet) for a total of 1,300 cfs for the Feather River’s high flow channel downstream of the Outlet. The public can track precipitation, snow, reservoir levels, and more at the California Data Exchange Center at www.cdec.water.ca.gov. Lake Oroville is identified as “ORO”. All data as of midnight 4/8/2021 ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov  April 2, 2021 DWR April Snow Survey The Department of Water Resources (DWR) conducted the fourth snow survey at the Phillips Station snow course (El Dorado County) on April 1. The manual survey recorded 49.5 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent (SWE) of 21 inches, which is 83 percent of average for this location. The SWE measures the amount of water contained in the snowpack and is a key component of DWR’s water supply forecast. April 1 is typically when California’s snowpack is the deepest and has the highest SWE. While the Southern Sierra remains well below average for both rain and snow, the picture is somewhat different in the Northern and Central part of the state where California typically receives 75 percent of the state’s annual precipitation. The few storms that impacted California this year have been colder, bringing more snow than rain. Colder systems are good for the Sierra snowpack, which accounts for 30 percent of California’s fresh water supply in an average year. For Water Year 2021, the snowpack in the Northern and Central Sierra peaked at 70 percent of average; however, rain is below 50 percent of average, which ties this year for the third driest year on record. The amount of water expected to enter California’s reservoirs when the snowpack melts is projected to be just 58 percent of average. The full news release is available on DWR’s website. Photo: DWR staff at April Snow Survey Phillips Station DWR Adjusts State Water Project Allocation As California experiences a second consecutive dry year, DWR announced on March 23 an adjustment to its initial State Water Project (SWP) allocation for the 2021 water year. The Department now expects the SWP to deliver 5 percent of requested supplies this year, down from the initial allocation of 10 percent announced in December. Allocations represent the amount of SWP water that DWR will deliver to 27 million Californians and 750,000 acres of farmland for the year and are reviewed monthly based on several factors, such as water in storage, environmental requirements, and rain and snowmelt runoff projections. Drought conditions have a significant impact on the state’s water supply. Lake Oroville storage is only at 53 percent of its historical average. Beginning April 6, outflows to the Feather River will be further reduced to conserve storage while maintaining the Feather River flows necessary for fishery, environmental, and water delivery needs. More information on the allocation change is available in the DWR News Release. Additional Campgrounds Open at Lake Oroville The California Department of Parks and Recreation (CA Parks) has opened up reservations for the Bloomer Point, Bloomer Knoll, and Bloomer Cove boat-in campgrounds, the Foreman Creek boat-in campground, and the floating campgrounds located around Lake Oroville. Reservations for camping can be made online by selecting the ‘Reservations’ tab on the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) webpage. Group camping sites remain closed due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.  Oroville Recreation The Lime Saddle, Bidwell Canyon, and Spillway boat ramps are open for use. Bidwell Canyon and Lime Saddle boat ramps are open 24-hours per day and the Spillway boat ramp is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The Loafer Creek Boat Ramp remains out of the water. Construction of the brand-new Loafer Point Boat Ramp is nearing completion and will be open later this spring. All day use facilities at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) are open. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center remains closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. DWR and CA Parks invite outdoor enthusiasts to visit the area’s 91 miles of trails, including the 41-mile long Brad Freeman Trail. Mountain bikers, hikers, equestrians, and bicyclists can find trail information on DWR’s interactive map on the Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. Visit the California Parks LOSRA webpage for current information on facility status as well as current requirements to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic. For information about the Oroville Wildlife Area, including the Thermalito Afterbay, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage. Photo: Bicyclists on the Brad Freeman Trail near the Thermalito Diversion Pool  Goats to Remove Vegetation Near Diversion Pool
The arrival of 350 to 400 goats from Hanski Family Farms LLC to the Lakeland Boulevard area was delayed this week but is now set to begin on Monday, April 5. DWR partnered with the Butte County Fire Safe Council (BCFSC) on this grazing project to reduce hazardous fuels on approximately five acres. The goats should be in the area for about one week. The goats will graze on grasses, leaves, invasive and non-invasive plants including poison oak, and a variety of shrubs and trees. The grazing area will be cordoned off with an electric fence and monitored by herders and livestock guardian dogs to protect the animals. The public is urged to stay clear of the electric fence and keep pets away, so the goats are not disturbed. This work is part of DWR’s Fuel Load Management Program, which was started in 2012 to reduce hazardous fuels within the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) project boundary. DWR, along with partners CAL FIRE, the California Conservation Corps, BCFSC, Butte County Sheriff’s Office, and California Department of State Parks and Recreation (CA Parks), are all working together to accomplish the same common goal -- reduce wildfire risk, increase public safety, and enhance forest health in areas around Lake Oroville. To date, approximately 675 acres have been treated around the Lake Oroville area by DWR and its partners. Photo: Goats perform fuel reduction grazing near Lake Oroville's Lime Saddle Recreation Area in 2019 Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 722 feet elevation and storage is about 1.43 million acre-feet -- 41 percent full and 54 percent of historical average. Currently, in the Northern Sierra Basin, rainfall is below average, at 51 percent of normal for this time of year and snowpack is also below average at 63 percent of normal. Less than a half an inch of rain is forecasted Sunday and Monday with cooler temperatures and a slight chance of rain forecasted during the week of April 5. On April 1, DWR increased total releases to the Feather River to 1,500 cfs to provide a pulse flow to assist in the out-migration of Feather River Hatchery Spring-run Chinook salmon that were released on April 1 into the Feather River at the Boyd’s Pump Boat Launch. On April 3, DWR will begin ramping down total releases to the Feather River by 200 cfs a day. By April 6, total flows to the Feather River are planned to be at 800 cfs to conserve storage with 600 cfs down the low flow channel through the City of Oroville and 200 cfs from the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet (Outlet) for a total of 800 cfs for the Feather River’s high flow channel downstream of the outlet. The public can track precipitation, snow, reservoir levels, and more at the California Data Exchange Center at www.cdec.water.ca.gov. Lake Oroville is identified as “ORO”. All data as of midnight 4/1/2021 ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.  March 26, 2021 DWR Adjusts State Water Project Allocation As California experiences a second consecutive dry year, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) has announced an adjustment to its initial State Water Project (SWP) allocation for the 2021 water year. The Department now expects the SWP to deliver 5 percent of requested supplies this year, down from the initial allocation of 10 percent announced in December. Allocations represent the amount of SWP water that DWR will deliver to 27 million Californians and 750,000 acres of farmland for the year and are reviewed monthly based on several factors, such as water in storage, environmental requirements, and rain and snowmelt runoff projections. Drought conditions have a significant impact on the state’s water supply. Lake Oroville storage is only at 53 percent of its historical average. Beginning April 1, outflows to the Feather River will be further reduced to conserve storage while maintaining the Feather River flows necessary for fishery, environmental, and water delivery needs. More information is available in the March 23 DWR News Release. Reducing Climate Change Impacts at Thermalito Powerplant An old electricity-generating turbine at the Ronald B. Robie Thermalito Pumping-Generating Powerplant (Thermalito Powerplant) has been replaced with a new energy efficient model that will help DWR achieve its goal of using 100 percent zero-emission resources by 2045. The new Kaplan turbine allows more clean hydropower to be generated from the same water releases and deliveries, an increase in efficiency from 86 percent to 93 percent, providing even more clean energy to California’s electrical grid. It will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 1,000 metric tons per year, helping DWR further reduce its carbon footprint. The Thermalito turbine project is partially funded by California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of cap-and-trade dollars to work. Learn more about how the new turbine at the Thermalito Powerplant is helping California meet its clean energy goals by watching our new video and reading the latest DWR Update. For more information on DWR’s renewable energy initiatives, visit our clean energy webpage. Photo: New Kaplan turbine (foreground) at the restored Ronald B. Robie Thermalito Pumping-Generating Powerplant  Goats to Remove Vegetation Near Diversion Pool Approximately five acres at Lakeland Boulevard will benefit from hazardous fuels reduction through DWR’s partnership with the Butte County Fire Safe Council (BCFSC). Around 350 to 400 goats will graze an area southeast of the Thermalito Diversion Pool and the Thermalito Diversion Dam during the week of March 28. The goats will graze on grasses, leaves, invasive and non-invasive plants including poison oak, and a variety of shrubs and trees. The grazing area will be cordoned off with an electric fence and monitored by herders and livestock guardian dogs to protect the animals. The public is urged to stay clear of the electric fence and keep pets away, so the goats are not disturbed. This work is part of DWR’s Fuel Load Management Program, which was started in 2012 to reduce hazardous fuels within the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) project boundary. DWR, along with partners CAL FIRE, the California Conservation Corps, BCFSC, Butte County Sheriff’s Office, and California Department of State Parks and Recreation (CA Parks), are all working together to accomplish the same common goal -- reduce wildfire risk, increase public safety, and enhance forest health in areas around Lake Oroville. To date, approximately 675 acres have been treated around the Lake Oroville area by DWR and its partners. Photo: Goats perform fuel reduction grazing near Lake Oroville's Lime Saddle Recreation Area in 2019 Trail Closure at Loafer Creek A one-mile portion of the Roy Rogers Trail in the Loafer Creek Recreation Area will be closed Monday through Friday starting March 22 and extending to April 30, as work crews will be cutting vegetation in this area. The four-mile equestrian and hiking trail will be fully open Saturdays and Sundays only. DWR and CA Parks are partnering with CAL FIRE’s Vegetation Management Program to clear hazard trees and fire-prone underbrush from the North Complex Wildfire burn scar in the Loafer Creek Recreation Area. CAL FIRE work crews will hand cut and use heavy equipment in the northeastern portion of Loafer Creek; crews may be visible or audible to visitors in the Recreation Area. This collaborative effort to aid in recovery from impacts caused by the 2020 North Complex wildfire will continue for the next several years.  Oroville Recreation
Many Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) campgrounds are open. Reservations for camp sites can be made online for dates after April 1 by selecting the Reservations tab on the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area webpage. Group camping, including floating campgrounds, and boat-in campgrounds remain closed. The Lime Saddle, Bidwell Canyon, and Spillway boat ramps are open for use. Bidwell Canyon and Lime Saddle boat ramps are open 24-hours per day and the Spillway boat ramp is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The Loafer Creek boat ramps remain out of the water. The Loafer Point Boat Ramp area is still closed for construction which is anticipated to be completed this spring. All day use facilities at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) are open. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center remains closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Visit the California Parks LOSRA webpage for current information on facility status as well as current requirements to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Information about recreation facilities can be found in DWR’s interactive map on the Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. For information about the Oroville Wildlife Area, including the Thermalito Afterbay, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage. Photo: Horseback riding on the Sewim Bo Trail near Old Ferry Road in Oroville Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 720 feet elevation and storage is about 1.41 million acre-feet -- 40 percent full and 53 percent of historical average. Currently, in the Northern Sierra Basin, rainfall is below average, at 53 percent of normal for this time of year and snowpack is also below average at 71 percent of normal. Dry conditions with a warming trend are expected this weekend and into the week of March 29. The total releases to the Feather River are 1,050 cubic feet per second (cfs). During the first week of April, DWR is planning to further decrease total flows to the Feather River to conserve water this spring until it is needed later in the season for downstream flow, supply, and water quality requirements. Currently, the Feather River flows consist of 800 cfs down the Low Flow Channel through the City of Oroville, and 250 cfs from the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet (Outlet) for a total of 1,050 cfs for the Feather River’s high flow channel downstream of the Outlet. The public can track precipitation, snow, reservoir levels, and more at the California Data Exchange Center at www.cdec.water.ca.gov. Lake Oroville is identified as “ORO”. All data as of midnight 3/25/2021 ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.  March 19, 2021 Trail Closure at Loafer Creek A one-mile portion of the Roy Rogers Trail in the Loafer Creek Recreation Area will be closed Monday through Friday starting March 22 and extending to April 30. The four-mile equestrian and hiking trail will be fully open Saturdays and Sundays only. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) and California State Parks (CA Parks) are partnering with CAL FIRE’s Vegetation Management Program to clear hazard trees and fire-prone underbrush from the North Complex Wildfire burn scar in the Loafer Creek Recreation Area. CAL FIRE work crews will hand cut and use heavy equipment in the northeastern portion of Loafer Creek; crews may be visible or audible to visitors in the Recreation Area. This collaborative effort to aid in recovery from impacts caused by the 2020 North Complex wildfire will continue for the next several years. Temporary Closure of Brad Freeman Trail A small section of the Brad Freeman Trail near the Thermalito Diversion Pool across from Oroville Dam’s main spillway will be closed Monday, March 22 through Thursday, March 25 for electrical work. Signage directing trail users to a temporary trail around the closure have been installed. Temporary Closure Protects Eaglet A section of the Wyandotte Campground in the Plumas National Forest is temporarily closed to protect a bald eagle nesting territory in the vicinity of Little Grass Valley Reservoir northeast of Oroville. The remainder of the campground is not affected by the closure which is in effect until July 15, 2021. The closure has been in effect for almost two decades and has helped a bald eagle pair to successfully nest and raise young, contributing to the sustained recovery for this species. Bald eagles are particularly sensitive to disturbances during their nesting phase. Information about the closure may be found on the U.S. Forest Service website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/plumas/alerts-notices. Photo: Bald Eagle and eaglet in Plumas Nat’l Forest territory May 2018  Oroville Recreation
The Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) campgrounds at Bidwell Canyon, Loafer Creek (including the Equestrian Campground), and the Lime Saddle Campground are open. Group camping, including floating campgrounds, and boat-in campgrounds remain closed. Reservation capability does not open until April and camping sites will be allocated on a ‘first come-first serve’ basis. The Lime Saddle, Bidwell Canyon, and Spillway boat ramps are open for use. Bidwell Canyon and Lime Saddle boat ramps are open 24-hours per day and the Spillway boat ramp is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The Loafer Creek boat ramps remain out of the water. The Loafer Point Boat Ramp area is still closed for construction which is anticipated to be completed this spring. All day use facilities at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) are open. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center remains closed. Visit the California Parks LOSRA webpage for current information on facility status as well as current requirements to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Information about recreation facilities can be found in DWR’s interactive map on the Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. For information about the Oroville Wildlife Area, including the Thermalito Afterbay, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage. Photo: Sailing on Lake Oroville Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 716 feet elevation and storage is about 1.38 million acre-feet -- 39 percent full and 53 percent of historical average. Currently, in the Northern Sierra Basin, rainfall is below average, at 54 percent of normal for this time of year and snowpack is also below average at 68 percent of normal. Dry conditions are forecasted for the weekend and into the week of March 22. The total releases to the Feather River are 1,050 cubic feet per second (cfs) to conserve storage in Lake Oroville. The Feather River flows will consist of 800 cfs down the Low Flow Channel through the City of Oroville, and 250 cfs from the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet (Outlet) for a total of 1,050 cfs for the Feather River’s high flow channel downstream of the Outlet. The public can track precipitation, snow, reservoir levels, and more at the California Data Exchange Center at www.cdec.water.ca.gov. Lake Oroville is identified as “ORO”. All data as of midnight 3/18/2021 ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.  March 12, 2021 Monument Hill Facility Improvements at the Monument Hill Boat Ramp and Day Use Area’s boat ramp and beach have been completed. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) placed 45 cubic yards of sand on the public beach, repaired storm erosion, and corrected movement of the boarding float at the boat launch. The Monument Hill facility on the Thermalito Afterbay is off Highway 162 near State Route 99. The Thermalito Afterbay, part of the Department’s Oroville-Thermalito Complex, is a large water supply and hydropower generation reservoir in the Oroville Wildlife Area (OWA). The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) manages the wildlife resources of the OWA for DWR. Photo: Laying new sand for Monument Hill Day Use Area beach Reopening Additional Area at Thermalito Diversion Pool During the recovery from the 2017 Oroville Spillways Incident, the exclusion zone and buoy line in the Thermalito Diversion Pool below Oroville Dam was temporarily extended approximately one-half-mile downstream. The exclusion zone has been reduced and the buoy line moved back upstream to its historical location just below the spillway, reopening additional area for public access. The Thermalito Diversion Pool provides opportunity for non-motorized water sports including kayaking, canoeing, and swimming. A car-top boat launch is available off of Cherokee Road. The upper end of the Diversion Pool near the spillway and dam, while open for fishing from the southern shoreline, excludes watersports, including swimming, wading, and paddle sports. Access to this area is available from the Brad Freeman Trail as well as from the new parking area off Oro Powerhouse Road (Oroville Dam Boulevard East towards Kelly Ridge, turn onto Oro Powerhouse Road and make immediate left before reaching the Hyatt Powerplant entrance gate).  Oroville Recreation
The Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) campgrounds at Bidwell Canyon, Loafer Creek – including the Equestrian Campground, and the Lime Saddle Campground are open. Group camping, including floating campgrounds, and boat-in campgrounds remain closed. Reservation capability does not open until April and camping sites will be allocated on a ‘first come-first serve’ basis. The Lime Saddle, Bidwell Canyon, and Spillway boat ramps are open for use. Bidwell Canyon and Lime Saddle boat ramps are open 24-hours per day and the Spillway boat ramp is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The Loafer Creek boat ramps remain out of the water. The Loafer Point Boat Ramp area is still closed for construction which is anticipated to be completed this spring. All day use facilities at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) are open. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center remains closed. Visit the California Parks LOSRA webpage for current information on facility status as well as current requirements to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Information about recreation facilities can be found in DWR’s interactive map on the Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. For information about the Oroville Wildlife Area, including the Thermalito Afterbay, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage. Photo: Sailing on Lake Oroville Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 714 feet elevation and storage is about 1.37 million acre-feet -- 39 percent full and 54 percent of historical average. Currently, in the Northern Sierra Basin, rainfall is below average, at 52 percent of normal for this time of year and snowpack is also below average at 64 percent of normal. Around half an inch of precipitation is expected in the Feather River basin Sunday into Monday with dry conditions forecasted for the remainder of the week of March 15. The total releases to the Feather River are 1,050 cubic feet per second (cfs) to conserve storage in Lake Oroville. The Feather River flows will consist of 800 cfs down the Low Flow Channel through the City of Oroville, and 250 cfs from the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet (Outlet) for a total of 1,050 cfs for the Feather River’s high flow channel downstream of the Outlet. The public can track precipitation, snow, reservoir levels, and more at the California Data Exchange Center at www.cdec.water.ca.gov. Lake Oroville is identified as “ORO”. All data as of midnight 3/11/2021 ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.  March 5, 2021 Reopening Additional Area at Thermalito Diversion Pool During the recovery from the 2017 Oroville Spillways Incident, the exclusion zone and buoy line in the Thermalito Diversion Pool below Oroville Dam was temporarily extended approximately one-half-mile downstream. This week, the exclusion zone has been reduced and the buoy line moved back upstream to its historical location just below the spillway, reopening additional area for public access. The Thermalito Diversion Pool provides opportunity for non-motorized water sports including kayaking, canoeing, and swimming. A car-top boat launch is available off of Cherokee Road. The upper end of the Diversion Pool near the spillway and dam, while open for fishing from the southern shoreline, excludes watersports, including swimming, wading, and paddle sports. Access to this area is available from the Brad Freeman Trail as well as from the new parking area off Oro Powerhouse Road (Oroville Dam Boulevard East towards Kelly Ridge, turn onto Oro Powerhouse Road and make immediate left before reaching the Hyatt Powerplant entrance gate). Water Wednesday Focus on the Feather River Watershed The Department of Water Resources Water Wednesday program just completed a series of episodes on watershed health, including a focus on the Feather River watershed that drains into Lake Oroville. Four February episodes discussed how a watershed works; wildfire impacts on watersheds and water quality; how DWR staff work to protect sensitive environments and species; and the anticipated impacts climate change may have on California’s watersheds. Water Wednesday episodes, started in 2020 to provide online, interactive education to students, cover a wide range of ‘water-oriented’ topics of interest to many viewers and are available on DWR’s YouTube page.  Oroville Recreation The Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) campgrounds at Bidwell Canyon, Loafer Creek – including the Equestrian Campground, and the Lime Saddle Campground are open. Group camping, including floating campgrounds, and boat-in campgrounds remain closed. Reservation capability does not open until April and camping sites will be allocated on a ‘first come-first serve’ basis. The Potters Ravine and North Fork trails are open for use. CA Parks encourages users to remain on the trails. Assessments by CA Parks staff of trail safety are ongoing. All day use facilities at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) are open. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center remains closed. Visit the California Parks LOSRA webpage for current information on facility status as well as current requirements to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Information about recreation facilities can be found in DWR’s interactive map on the Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. For information about the Oroville Wildlife Area, including the Thermalito Afterbay, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage. Photo: Hiking along the Thermalito Diversion Pool on the Brad Freeman Trail Lake Oroville Boat Ramps The Lime Saddle, Bidwell Canyon, and Spillway boat ramps are open for use. Bidwell Canyon and Lime Saddle boat ramps are open 24-hours per day and the Spillway boat ramp is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The Lake Oroville Marina at Lime Saddle is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and the Bidwell Canyon Marina is open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Loafer Creek boat ramps remain out of the water. The Loafer Point Boat Ramp area is still closed for construction which is anticipated to be completed this spring.  Bald Eagles Build New Nest
A nesting pair of bald eagles that lost their nest tree in the North Complex Fire have returned. Environmental scientists with the Department of Water Resources have located a newly built nest in an undamaged tree within their territory and observed nesting activity on the new nest by the pair. Lake Oroville and the Feather River area provide ideal habitat for bald eagles. Fish are one of the eagles’ main food sources and large water bodies like Lake Oroville provide a wide variety of fish as well as other favorite food sources such as waterfowl, small birds, and mammals. The many trees and snags (tall dead trees) near water areas provide prime nesting, roosting, and hunting locations. Protecting the area’s year-round bald eagle population living in the Department of Water Resources’ (DWR) Oroville-Thermalito Complex jurisdiction is the responsibility of the Oroville Field Division’s Environmental Scientists. The bald eagle is a protected species under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 and Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940. They were listed as an endangered species in 1978. Those protections have been successful, and the species is now federally delisted. DWR’s scientists monitor for and, if necessary, act against threats such as public intrusions, habitat loss, or other impacts to the eagles’ nesting areas. Photo: Bald eagle nest in unburned tree near North Complex Wildfire burn scar - inside red circle Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 713 feet elevation and storage is about 1.35 million acre-feet - 38 percent full and 54 percent of historical average. Currently, in the Northern Sierra Basin, rainfall is below average, at 49 percent of normal for this time of year and snowpack is also below average at 61 percent of normal. A break in the rain this weekend with continuing chance of rain and colder temperatures in the early part of the week of March 8. The total releases to the Feather River are 1,050 cubic feet per second (cfs) to conserve storage in Lake Oroville. The Feather River flows will consist of 800 cfs down the Low Flow Channel through the City of Oroville, and 250 cfs from the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet (Outlet) for a total of 1,050 cfs for the Feather River’s high flow channel downstream of the Outlet. The public can track precipitation, snow, reservoir levels, and more at the California Data Exchange Center at www.cdec.water.ca.gov. Lake Oroville is identified as “ORO”. All data as of midnight 3/4/2021 ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov. |
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