  January 14, 2022 Mid-Winter Bald Eagle Survey Environmental scientists from the Department of Water Resources (DWR) recently participated in the National Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey on Jan. 7. This nation-wide effort, coordinated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, aims to determine bald eagle distribution and identify areas of important winter habitats. Because of bad weather on the day of the national survey, this year’s official count was only 20 bald eagles; however, an informal survey two days later counted well over 100 migrating eagles. Lake Oroville and the Feather River area provide an ideal habitat for bald eagles. Fish are one of the eagle’s main food sources and large water bodies like Lake Oroville provide a wide variety of fish and other favorite food sources such as waterfowl, small birds, and mammals. The many trees and snags (tall dead trees) near water areas provide prime roosting and hunting locations for the bald eagles that migrate to and through the area during the winter months as well as nesting opportunities for Lake Oroville’s resident “nesting pairs” who have established their home here. Protecting the area’s year-round bald eagle population living in the 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 on top of pine tree at Lake Oroville  Hyatt Powerplant Returns to Service Oroville Dam’s Hyatt Powerplant returned to service on Jan. 1, 2022 after going offline on Aug. 5, 2021 due to historic low lake levels driven by the state’s ongoing severe drought conditions. An unexpectedly strong atmospheric river storm in late October, followed by a series of powerful December storms, has increased reservoir elevation levels from 630 feet on Oct. 21 to 733 on Jan. 14 – a gain of over 100 feet. Water levels are now well above the powerplant’s intakes, providing the necessary water pressure for efficient operation of the plant. Currently, Hyatt powerplant is utilizing one generating unit to produce electricity and supply it to the state’s electrical grid managed by the California Independent System Operator. Hyatt generation will initially remain low due to low agricultural demands and improved delta salinity conditions. DWR anticipates an average outflow of about 900 cubic feet per second, which will generate approximately 30 megawatts of power. As lake levels rise and demands increase, additional units will be brought back online. DWR completed major maintenance activities while the powerplant was offline to ensure the plant maintains its reliability and is available for water deliveries and power generation. DWR continues to manage Lake Oroville to balance storage needs with requirements for Delta outflows, water quality, and public health and safety requirements in an effort to conserve as much storage as possible in the event of another dry year. Read the news release at DWR News Releases. Photo: Hyatt Powerplant at Oroville Dam (showing four of the six generating units)  25th Anniversary of 1997 Floods At the start of the new year in 1997, an atmospheric river from the warm waters near Hawaii, what used to be called a “pineapple express”, drenched the Sierra foothills – up to 40 inches of precipitation over the course of the storm in some locations. Multiple rivers and flood channels overflowed, and areas up and down California’s Central Valley experienced breached levees, flooded farmland, and inundated towns and highways. The result was over $2 billion in damage and three lives lost. In the years since, the Department of Water Resources (DWR), through key improvements in forecasting, resources, levee infrastructure, and reconnected floodplain, has worked tirelessly with multiple partners to improve California’s ability to predict, prepare for, and respond to atmospheric river storms that often cause such damaging flood events. Read more about these efforts and find links to this year’s coverage of the anniversary on the DWR Updates webpage. Photo: Flooded trailer park near the San Joaquin River during 1997 New Year's Floods Drought Update California continues to benefit from winter storms, bringing much needed rain and snow to the state. On average, California receives 75 percent of its precipitation from November through March, half of which is typically received between December through February. The record-setting late October atmospheric river storm and the series of strong storms in December are providing a good start to the Sierra snowpack currently at around 58 percent of seasonal average and about 126 percent of average for this date. California needs above average precipitation throughout the winter to offset the record-setting drought conditions. Currently, Lake Oroville is only filled to 43 percent of its capacity and major reservoirs across the state are at an average of 41 percent capacity. The outlook for the rest of the winter is for the weather to turn drier in the new year. While there may be more dry days than wet, large atmospheric rivers can still occur, depositing substantial precipitation in a short period as we saw in October. This raises the risk of flood events, especially in burn scar areas. Lakeside Access Road Construction activities associated with the Lakeside Access Road project will result in intermittent closures of the Oroville Dam Crest parking lot on the northwest side of the dam. These short duration closures are anticipated to continue until the end of January. The popular walking/bicycling trail across the top of the dam will remain open and parking will continue to be available at the Upper Overlook. This project will consist of a new, permanent, paved road from the west side of Oroville Dam to the Spillway Boat Ramp parking lot on the “lakeside,” or waterside, of the Oroville Dam spillways. This new road will allow a more direct route when water levels are low in Lake Oroville. The new road will include two concrete traffic lanes, wide shoulders for walking and biking, guardrails, and safety signage. Loafer Creek Recreation Area The Loafer Creek Recreation Area at Lake Oroville continues to be temporarily closed due to damages and interruption of the park’s main water supply system. Hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians can still access area trails from the Saddle Dam trailhead facility off Kelly Ridge Road. Trail users are advised to be aware of California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) work trucks and utility vehicles in the area.  Oroville Recreation
Bidwell Canyon’s Stage II concrete boat ramp and the Lime Saddle Boat Ramp are open. The Spillway boat ramp remains closed for repair and the Loafer Point boat ramp is inaccessible due to continued closure of the Loafer Creek Recreation Area for waterline repairs. The Foreman Creek and Stringtown cartop boat ramps have also reopened. Information on current boat ramp status can be found on the State Park’s Lake Oroville State Recreation Area webpage. Scroll down to the link for “Current Boat Ramp Status”. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center is open to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pick up the Lake Oroville Trails Map, which shows more than 97 miles of trails available to equestrians, bicyclists, and hikers, at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) kiosks, the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Feather River Recreation and Parks District. Visit the California Parks LOSRA webpage for current information on facility status and campground reservations. An interactive map of recreation facilities in DWR’s Oroville-Thermalito Complex is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. Information about the 11,000-acre Oroville Wildlife Area is available on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage. Photo: Heading out for fishing from Bidwell Canyon boat ramp Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 733 feet elevation and storage is about 1.51 million acre-feet, which is 43 percent of its total capacity and 79 percent of historical average. Dry and cool conditions over the weekend and continuing into next week. The average daily inflows this week have been in the range of 6,000 cfs to 8,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) and have been tapering off with the dry conditions. Inflows through the weekend and next week are forecasted to be in the range of 3,000 cfs to 5,000 cfs. Inflows are subject to change based upon on actual weather conditions. Total flows to the Feather River are at 950 cfs for meeting downstream water quality and flow requirements. Flow in the low-flow channel, through the City of Oroville, is 650 cfs and flow through the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet is 300 cfs. Releases are assessed daily. The public can track precipitation, snow, reservoir levels, and more at the California Data Exchange Center at www.cdec.water.ca.gov. The Lake Oroville gage station is identified as “ORO”. All data as of midnight 1/12/2022 ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.  January 7, 2022 Hyatt Powerplant Returns to Service Oroville Dam’s Hyatt Powerplant returned to service on Jan. 1, 2022 after going offline on Aug. 5, 2021 due to historic low lake levels driven by the state’s ongoing severe drought conditions. An unexpectedly strong atmospheric river storm in late October, followed by a series of powerful December storms, has increased reservoir elevation levels from 630 feet on Oct. 21 to 724 on Jan. 7 – a gain of over 90 feet. Water levels are now well above the powerplant’s intakes, providing the necessary water pressure for efficient operation of the plant. Currently, Hyatt powerplant is utilizing one generating unit to produce electricity and supply it to the state’s electrical grid managed by the California Independent System Operator. Hyatt generation will initially remain low due to low agricultural demands and improved delta salinity conditions. DWR anticipates an average outflow of about 900 cubic feet per second, which will generate approximately 30 megawatts of power. As lake levels rise and demands increase, additional units will be brought back online. The opportunity to perform maintenance on the powerplant’s infrastructure while the plant was offline allowed staff to enter equipment across the plant to perform inspections and replace protective equipment to ensure the plant maintains its reliability and is available for water deliveries and provision of clean hydropower to help meet the state’s clean energy goals in the upcoming water year. Read the news release at DWR News Releases. Photo: Hyatt Powerplant at Oroville Dam (showing four of the six generating units)  25th Anniversary of 1997 Floods At the start of the new year in 1997, an atmospheric river from the warm waters near Hawaii, what used to be called a “pineapple express”, drenched the Sierra foothills – up to 40 inches of precipitation over the course of the storm in some locations. Multiple rivers and flood channels overflowed, and areas up and down California’s Central Valley experienced breached levees, flooded farmland, and inundated towns and highways. The result was over $2 billion in damage and three lives lost. In the years since, the Department of Water Resources (DWR), through key improvements in forecasting, resources, levee infrastructure, and reconnected floodplain, has worked tirelessly with multiple partners to improve California’s ability to predict, prepare for, and respond to atmospheric river storms that often cause such damaging flood events. Read more about these efforts and find links to this year’s coverage of the anniversary on the DWR Updates webpage. Photo: Flooded trailer park near the San Joaquin River during 1997 New Year's Floods Drought Update California continues to benefit from winter storms, bringing much needed rain and snow to the state. On average, California receives 75 percent of its precipitation from November through March, half of which is typically received between December through February. The record-setting late October atmospheric river storm and the series of strong storms in December are providing a good start to the Sierra snowpack currently at around 57 percent of seasonal average and about 144 percent of average for this date. California needs above average precipitation throughout the winter to offset the record-setting drought conditions. Currently, Lake Oroville is only filled to 40 percent of its capacity and major reservoirs across the state are at an average of 37 percent capacity. The outlook for the rest of the winter is for the weather to turn drier in the new year. While there may be more dry days than wet, large atmospheric rivers can still occur, depositing substantial precipitation in a short period as we saw in October. This raises the risk of flood events, especially in burn scar areas. Loafer Creek Recreation Area The Loafer Creek Recreation Area at Lake Oroville continues to be temporarily closed due to damages and interruption of the park’s main water supply system. Hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians can still access area trails from the Saddle Dam trailhead facility off Kelly Ridge Road. Trail users are advised to be aware of California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) work trucks and utility vehicles in the area.  Oroville Recreation
Bidwell Canyon’s Stage II concrete boat ramp and the Lime Saddle Boat Ramp are open. The Spillway boat ramp remains closed for repair and the Loafer Point boat ramp is inaccessible due to continued closure of the Loafer Creek Recreation Area. The Foreman Creek and Stringtown cartop boat ramps have also reopened. Information on current boat ramp status can be found on the State Park’s Lake Oroville State Recreation Area webpage. Scroll down to the link for “Current Boat Ramp Status”. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center is open to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pick up the Lake Oroville Trails Map, which shows more than 97 miles of trails available to equestrians, bicyclists, and hikers, at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) kiosks, the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Feather River Recreation and Parks District. Visit the California Parks LOSRA webpage for current information on facility status and campground reservations. An interactive map of recreation facilities in DWR’s Oroville-Thermalito Complex is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. Information about the 11,000-acre Oroville Wildlife Area is available on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage. Photo: Walking Oroville Dam - nearly 2.3 miles across and back Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 720 feet elevation and storage is about 1.41 million acre-feet, which is 40 percent of its total capacity and 75 percent of historical average. Dry and cool conditions are forecast over the weekend with a chance of rain next week. The average daily inflows from the storm activity the last week of December were in the range of 15,000 cfs to 17,000 cfs and are forecasted to taper to between 7,000 cfs to 9,000 cfs through the weekend. Inflows for the week of January 10 are projected in the range of 5,000 cfs to 6,000 cfs. Inflows are subject to change based upon on actual weather conditions and snow elevations. Total flows to the Feather River are at 950 cfs for meeting downstream water quality and flow requirements. Flow in the low-flow channel, through the City of Oroville, is 650 cfs and flow through the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet is 300 cfs. Releases are assessed daily. The public can track precipitation, snow, reservoir levels, and more at the California Data Exchange Center at www.cdec.water.ca.gov. The Lake Oroville gage station is identified as “ORO”. All data as of midnight 1/6/2022 ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.  December 23, 2021 Atmospheric Rivers California continues to benefit from winter storms, bringing much needed rain and snow to the state. On average, California receives 75 percent of its precipitation from November through March, half of which is typically received between December through February. December storms are providing a good start to the Sierra snowpack currently at around 30 percent of seasonal average and about 102 percent of average for this date. California needs above average precipitation throughout the winter to offset the record-setting drought conditions. The outlook for the rest of the winter is for the weather to turn drier in the new year. While there may be more dry days than wet, large atmospheric rivers can still occur, depositing substantial precipitation in a short period as we saw in October, raising the risk of flood events, especially in burn scar areas. View this short video about how to prepare your family for flood events on the DWR YouTube Channel. Photo: Sand Flat Campground off US Highway 50 Loafer Creek Recreation Area The Loafer Creek Recreation Area at Lake Oroville is temporarily closed due to damages and interruption of the park’s main water supply system. Hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians can still access area trails from the Saddle Dam trailhead facility off Kelly Ridge Road. Trail users are advised to be aware of California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) work trucks and utility vehicles in the area.  Boating at Lake Oroville The Loafer Point Stage II boat ramp has neared completion with new concrete on three lanes extending down to 681 feet elevation. Continued concrete curing, and cleanup of construction equipment and materials will continue into January when the ramp is anticipated to open. The existing Stage II facility was completed this spring, providing six new boat launch lanes and 180 trailered parking spaces. Bidwell Canyon’s Stage III concrete boat ramp and the single-lane gravel boat ramp at Oroville Dam’s Spillway Boat Ramp area are open. The Spillway ramp will continue to be open as conditions permit. As lake elevations rise with winter storm precipitation, additional paved boat ramps at Lake Oroville will become available. Information on current boat ramp status can be found on the State Park’s Lake Oroville State Recreation Area webpage. Scroll down to the link for “Current Boat Ramp Status”. Photo: Bidwell Bar Bridge from Bidwell Canyon boat ramp area  Oroville Recreation The Lake Oroville Visitor Center is open to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pick up the Lake Oroville Trails Map of over 97 miles of trails available to equestrians, bicyclists, and hikers Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) kiosks, the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Feather River Recreation and Parks District. Visit the California Parks LOSRA webpage for current information on facility status and campground reservations. An interactive map of recreation facilities in DWR’s Oroville-Thermalito Complex is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. Information about the 11,000-acre Oroville Wildlife Area is available on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage. Photo: Hiking on the Rattlesnake Trail near the Thermalito Forebay recreation area  Year in Review The year 2021 has been a unique and challenging year. Faced with continued COVID-19 public health restrictions, the Dixie Fire, and historic low lake levels, the Department of Water Resources’ (DWR) Oroville Field Division (OFD) rose to the challenge of operating the Oroville-Thermalito Complex smoothly. Here are a few highlights here at the Oroville-Thermalito Complex: Extreme drought conditions continued across the West and despite recent atmospheric river storms and snowfall, California remains in a state of climate water deficit. Accelerating climate change impacts also impacted Lake Oroville, the headwaters of California’s State Water Project (SWP), which fell to 628.97 feet elevation – the lowest since the lake was filled in 1968.  Historic low lake levels also took the Hyatt Powerplant offline on Aug. 5, 2021. OFD staff were able to complete major maintenance activities while the powerplant was offline, ensuring the plant maintains its reliability and is available for water deliveries and clean hydropower generation. An unexpected atmospheric river “Bomb Cyclone” rain event arrived in late October to increase Lake Oroville’s elevation by 30 feet in one week. With additional precipitation events throughout December, Lake Oroville has gone from 37 percent of its historical average to 64 percent as of Dec. 22, with continued rain and snow forecasted for the remainder of the year. While not enough to end the current drought, recent storms are a welcome wet finish to a very dry year.  Drought conditions affect wildlife and fish as well. California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) staff at DWR’s Feather River Fish Hatchery successfully harvested additional Chinook salmon eggs this fall to offset drought impacts to the Feather River fishery and plans to plant an extra 1.7 million fish in 2022. CDFW staff in the Oroville Wildlife Refuge successfully timed their dry-land planting of grasses, flowers, and grains this spring where late spring rain resulted in over 140 acres of forage for both local and migrating birds. Wildfowl are also benefiting this winter from a public-private partnership between DWR, local organizations, and rice farmers to selectively flood rice paddies for support of the millions of migrating birds who travel the Pacific Flyway.  Fire again burned in the Feather River watershed where the Dixie Fire consumed nearly a million acres, requiring DWR to join in repeating last year’s North Complex Fire efforts to install erosion control measures to prevent toxic ash and burned materials from entering the waterways that supply Lake Oroville. DWR and OFD staff, as key members of the Feather River Watershed Working Group led by California Waterboards and Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, expanded the Department’s previous North Complex Fire work to address wildfire impacts on water quality. This included debris flow measurement, cleanup, and additional water sampling activities.  OFD also embarked on ambitious improvements including construction of a new boat ramp facility at Loafer Point with two stages reaching elevations of 800- and 681-feet elevation respectively to improve low water access, as well as added additional boat ramp lanes at Bidwell Canyon, including doubling the size of the Stage II boat ramp parking area.  Projects were also started to increase knowledge about the Feather River fishery and improve water control facilities such as the Thermalito Afterbay outlet and Palermo Tunnel intake in Lake Oroville. OFD staff also closely collaborated with CAL FIRE and local partners to address acres of burned and overgrown vegetation through DWR’s Fuel Load Management Program and CAL FIRE’s Vegetation Management Program.
DWR is looking forward to initiating and completing more projects in 2022 at the Oroville-Thermalito Complex. The Lake Oroville Community Update will continue to share news and information with the community. Your thoughts, comments, and questions to oroville@water.ca.gov are always welcome. Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 689 feet elevation and storage is about 1.17 million acre-feet, which is 33 percent of its total capacity and 64 percent of historical average. Wet and cold conditions are forecasted this weekend into the early part of next week with up to four inches in the Feather River Basin Saturday through Tuesday. The higher elevations are expected to see heavy snow accumulation on Sunday with continued snow accumulation in the early part of the week. Inflows to Lake Oroville from the recent storm on Thursday and Friday have been upwards of around 20,000 cubic per second (cfs) and expected to be in the range of 7,000 cfs to 13,000 cfs during the weekend into next week . However, the storms are colder in the beginning of the week and inflows are subject to change based upon on actual weather conditions and snow elevations. Total flows to the Feather River are at 950 cfs for meeting downstream water quality and flow requirements. Flow in the low-flow channel, through the City of Oroville, is 650 cfs and flow through the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet is 300 cfs. Releases are assessed daily. The public can track precipitation, snow, reservoir levels, and more at the California Data Exchange Center at www.cdec.water.ca.gov. Lake Oroville is identified as “ORO”. All data as of midnight 12/22/2021 On behalf of all the staff of DWR and the Oroville Field Division, we would like to wish you and yours a very safe and healthy holiday season. The Lake Oroville Community Update will return on Jan. 7, 2022. ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.  December 10, 2021 State Water Project Allocation The Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced the initial State Water Project (SWP) allocation for 2022 on Dec. 1, along with several steps to manage the state’s water supply in anticipation of a third dry year with reservoirs at or near historic lows. The Dec. 1 allocation will focus on the health and safety needs of the 29 water agencies that contract to receive SWP supplies. The SWP will not be planning water deliveries through its typical allocation process until the state has a clearer picture of the hydrologic and reservoir conditions going into the spring. (Hydrology is the study of movement of water in relation to land – including water from precipitation and snowmelt.) DWR is focused on prioritizing water supply in four categories: water for health and safety needs and Delta salinity control; water for endangered species; water to reserve in storage; and water for additional supply allocations if the hydrology allows. Water in Lake Oroville will be reserved to maintain Delta water quality, protect endangered species, and meet senior water right needs. Beyond minimal exports to meet South Bay health and safety needs, water stored in Lake Oroville will be used for south of Delta deliveries only if hydrology conditions improve. South of Delta deliveries will be met with water available from the Delta as well as water stored in San Luis Reservoir. The full news release can be viewed on the DWR News Releases webpage. Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission Public Meeting The California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) held its ninth Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission meeting on Dec. 3, 2021. The online public meeting included presentations about downstream flood management and preparedness as well as an update on the Water Control Manual from a representative of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Members of the public also offered comments and asked questions. The Citizens Advisory Commission is a forum to provide public feedback from the communities surrounding Oroville Dam. The meeting transcript and presentations will be available on the Commission’s website in the coming weeks at https://bit.ly/OrovilleCAC. New Invasive Plants Discovered Environmental scientists with the Department of Water Resources (DWR) Oroville Field Division have discovered a new aquatic invasive plant in the Feather River downstream of Oroville. The new floating aquatic plant is the South American spongeplant (Limnobium spongia), previously known from the Sacramento River and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. This is the second new, high-rated (by the California Invasive Plant Council) invasive plant species DWR has discovered in the Feather River in the last three years. In 2019, alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) was found adjacent to the Feather River Outlet Boat Ramp. Neither of these species were previously known in Butte County but have been expanding in recent years across California. Aquatic invasive species (AIS) move from one area to another via watercraft, personal water gear, pets who have entered the water, and by wildlife. You can help minimize the spread of AIS by thoroughly inspecting all equipment after leaving a waterbody; clean any visible mud and plants from watercrafts, equipment, and personal gear; and drain water from all equipment, including bait buckets, and ballast tanks. Cleaning and drying anything that came in contact with water (including pets and clothing) will help prevent the spread of AIS. Invasive plants can de-stabilize dissolved oxygen cycles needed by fish and aquatic organisms, crowd out native plants, shade out crucial shallow-water fish habitat, obstruct waterways and navigational channels, and block agricultural and municipal water intakes. Photo: Top: South American Spongeplant (large round leaves) Bottom: Alligator Weed  Loafer Creek Fuels Management Crews from CAL FIRE’s Butte Fire Center, along with crews from California Conservation Corps and the Butte County Sheriff Office, are continuing various fuel reduction projects using heavy equipment, hand cutting, chipping, and burning of prioritized overgrown vegetative areas within the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) project boundary of DWR’s Oroville-Thermalito Complex. Hikers and equestrian users of the Roy Rogers Trail in the Loafer Creek recreation area, visitors to the area, and motorists along Highway 162 are advised to be mindful of safety when near work zones. Photo: Piling vegetation and burned trees into piles at Loafer Creek recreation area.  Oroville Recreation
Bidwell Canyon’s Stage III concrete boat ramp and the single-lane gravel boat ramp at Oroville Dam’s Spillway Boat Ramp area are open. The Spillway ramp will continue to be open as conditions permit. Boaters on the lake are advised to be aware of unexpected shallow water, obstruction hazards, and floating debris. The Lime Saddle Marina is now open for customer access, but with very limited services due to damage caused by the October storm event. At this time, the boat ramp remains out of the water. Access to boats and houseboats at both Bidwell Canyon and Lime Saddle marinas should be coordinated through the marina prior to arrival by calling (530) 589-9175 or by utilizing the shuttle service at Bidwell Canyon Marina. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center is open to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can tour the center’s educational exhibits and area grounds with trails and climb the 47-foot-tall viewing tower with great views of Lake Oroville, the Sierra, the valley, and Sutter Buttes. Please contact the VC Guides at (530) 538-2219 for more information. Numerous Day Use Area (DUA) facilities with picnic tables and restrooms at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) are open 8 a.m. to sunset. Bidwell, Lime Saddle, and Loafer Creek recreation areas are open 24 hours. The Oroville Dam Crest Road across Oroville Dam is available 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily with the Spillway trailhead and boat launch open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. The top of the dam is open to pedestrians and bicyclists 24-hours a day. DWR’s new trail maps of over 97 miles of trails available to equestrians, bicyclists, and hikers wishing to explore Oroville’s natural beauty in the cooler fall weather are available at many Oroville locations including Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) kiosks, Oroville Wildlife Area office on Oro Dam Boulevard West, the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Feather River Recreation and Parks District. Visit the California Parks LOSRA webpage for current information on facility status and campground reservations. An interactive map of recreation facilities in DWR’s Oroville-Thermalito Complex is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. Information about the 11,000-acre Oroville Wildlife Area is available on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage. Photo: Bidwell Canyon Stage III boat ramp at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 673 feet elevation and storage is about 1.06 million acre-feet, which is 30 percent of its total capacity and 59 percent of historical average. Heavy precipitation in Oroville and snow accumulation in the higher elevations are forecasted for the Feather River Basin beginning Sunday and extending into Monday with continuing snow showers into the higher elevations mid-week. The Feather River basin may see 5 to 7 inches as a result of these storms. Temperatures will range in the 20s and 30s in the higher elevations and upper 40s and low 50s in the valley. Inflows to Lake Oroville have been ranging around 500 to 1,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) and are expected to increase early next week in response to the heavy precipitation. Current forecasts indicate potential inflows of about 10,000 cfs (subject to change based upon on actual weather and soil conditions). At 30 percent capacity, there is sufficient storage to manage these inflows. Total flows to the Feather River are at 1,500 cubic feet per second (cfs) for meeting downstream water quality and flow requirements. Flow in the low-flow channel, through the City of Oroville, is 650 cfs and flow through the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet is 850 cfs. Releases are assessed daily. The public can track precipitation, snow, reservoir levels, and more at the California Data Exchange Center at www.cdec.water.ca.gov. Lake Oroville is identified as “ORO”. All data as of midnight 12/02/2021 ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.  December 3, 2021 Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission Public Meeting The California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) held its ninth Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission meeting on Dec. 3, 2021. The online public meeting included presentations about downstream flood management and preparedness as well as an update on the Water Control Manual from a representative of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Members of the public also offered comments and asked questions. The Citizens Advisory Commission is a forum to provide public feedback from the communities surrounding Oroville Dam. The meeting transcript and presentations will be available on the Commission’s website in the coming weeks at https://bit.ly/OrovilleCAC. New Invasive Plants Discovered Environmental scientists with the Department of Water Resources (DWR) Oroville Field Division have discovered a new aquatic invasive plant in the Feather River downstream of Oroville. The new floating aquatic plant is the South American spongeplant (Limnobium spongia), previously known from the Sacramento River and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. This is the second new, high-rated (by the California Invasive Plant Council) invasive plant species DWR has discovered in the Feather River in the last three years. In 2019, alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) was found adjacent to the Feather River Outlet Boat Ramp. Neither of these species were previously known in Butte County but have been expanding in recent years across California. Aquatic invasive species (AIS) move from one area to another via watercraft, personal water gear, pets who have entered the water, and by wildlife. You can help minimize the spread of AIS by thoroughly inspecting all equipment after leaving a waterbody; clean any visible mud and plants from watercrafts, equipment, and personal gear; and drain water from all equipment, including bait buckets, and ballast tanks. Cleaning and drying anything that came in contact with water (including pets and clothing) will help prevent the spread of AIS. Invasive plants can de-stabilize dissolved oxygen cycles needed by fish and aquatic organisms, crowd out native plants, shade out crucial shallow-water fish habitat, obstruct waterways and navigational channels, and block agricultural and municipal water intakes. Photo: Top: South American Spongeplant (large round leaves) Bottom: Alligator Weed Loafer Creek Fuels Management Crews from CAL FIRE’s Butte Fire Center, along with crews from California Conservation Corps and the Butte County Sheriff Office, are performing various fuel reduction projects using heavy equipment, hand cutting, chipping, and burning of prioritized overgrown vegetative areas within the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) project boundary of DWR’s Oroville-Thermalito Complex. Hikers and equestrian users of the Roy Rogers Trail in the Loafer Creek recreation area, visitors to the area, and motorists along Highway 162 are advised to be mindful of safety when near work zones.  Oroville Recreation
Bidwell Canyon’s Stage III concrete boat ramp and the single-lane gravel boat ramp at Oroville Dam’s Spillway Boat Ramp area are open. The Spillway ramp will continue to be open as conditions permit. Boaters on the lake are advised to be aware of unexpected shallow water, obstruction hazards, and floating debris. The Lime Saddle Marina is now open for customer access, but with very limited services due to damage caused by the October storm event. At this time, the boat ramp remains out of the water. Access to boats and houseboats at both Bidwell Canyon and Lime Saddle marinas should be coordinated through the marina prior to arrival by calling (530) 589-9175 or by utilizing the shuttle service at Bidwell Canyon Marina. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center is open to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can tour the center’s educational exhibits and area grounds with trails and climb the 47-foot-tall viewing tower with great views of Lake Oroville, the Sierra, the valley, and Sutter Buttes. Please contact the VC Guides at (530) 538-2219 for more information. Numerous Day Use Area (DUA) facilities with picnic tables and restrooms at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) are open 8 a.m. to sunset. Bidwell, Lime Saddle, and Loafer Creek recreation areas are open 24 hours. The Oroville Dam Crest Road across Oroville Dam is available 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily with the Spillway trailhead and boat launch open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. The top of the dam is open to pedestrians and bicyclists 24-hours a day. DWR’s new trail maps of over 97 miles of trails available to equestrians, bicyclists, and hikers wishing to explore Oroville’s natural beauty in the cooler fall weather are available at many Oroville locations including Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) kiosks, Oroville Wildlife Area office on Oro Dam Boulevard West, the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Feather River Recreation and Parks District. Visit the California Parks LOSRA webpage for current information on facility status and campground reservations. An interactive map of recreation facilities in DWR’s Oroville-Thermalito Complex is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. Information about the 11,000-acre Oroville Wildlife Area is available on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage. Photo: Boaters launching at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area's Bidwell Canyon Stage III boat ramp Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 672 feet elevation and storage is about 1.05 million acre-feet, which is 30 percent of its total capacity and 60 percent of historical average. The current forecast indicates mainly dry conditions through the weekend and into next week with possible rain later in the week. Temperatures will range in the upper 50s- to low-60s this weekend and continuing into next week. Total flows to the Feather River are at 1,500 cubic feet per second (cfs) for meeting downstream water quality and flow requirements. Flow in the low-flow channel, through the City of Oroville, is 650 cfs and flow through the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet is 850 cfs. Releases are assessed daily. The public can track precipitation, snow, reservoir levels, and more at the California Data Exchange Center at www.cdec.water.ca.gov. Lake Oroville is identified as “ORO”. All data as of midnight 12/02/2021 ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.  November 19, 2021 Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission Public Meeting The California Natural Resources Agency is hosting its ninth Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission meeting on Dec. 3, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The public meeting will be held online and will include presentations and public comment. The commission will receive an overview of downstream flood management and preparedness as well as an update on the Water Control Manual from a representative of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Citizens Advisory Commission is a forum to provide public feedback from the communities surrounding Oroville Dam. For information on how to join the virtual meeting, please visit https://bit.ly/OrovilleCAC. Feather River Fish Hatchery Fall-run Chinook salmon spawning operations have successfully concluded at the Feather River Fish Hatchery. The hatchery’s spawning process collects eggs from female fish and milt from male fish to fertilize the eggs. After fertilization, the eggs are placed in incubators to develop. After the salmon reach the “fry” stage (juvenile salmon), they are transferred to long ponds filled with Feather River water called “raceways” to grow until they are large enough to be returned to the river or planted in locations further downstream to avoid predators. Steelhead (a cousin of Chinook salmon) spawning operations will begin in late December. Earlier this year, the hatchery released more than 1 million spring-run salmon, 6.3 million fall-run salmon, and nearly 450,000 steelhead in the Feather River and other locations and planted over 100,000 inland salmon this spring in Lake Oroville. The Feather River Fish Hatchery is a California State Water Project facility owned and maintained by the Department of Water Resources (DWR), which funds hatchery operations. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) operates the hatchery, including fish spawning, rearing, and stocking activities. DWR built the fish hatchery to mitigate the impact of the Oroville Dam on Chinook salmon and steelhead populations because the dam blocks access to natural spawning grounds further upstream. Photo: Incubation trays for fertilized salmon eggs at the Feather River Fish Hatchery  Lake Oroville Visitor Center The Lake Oroville Visitor Center is now open to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can tour the center’s exhibits on the construction of Oroville Dam – the tallest dam in the country; the State Water Project which provides water to 27 million Californians and 750,000 acres of farmland; a new interactive water education exhibit, and much more. The visitor center also has a theater featuring videos on local topics and places, such as Oroville Dam and the Feather River Fish Hatchery, as well as walking and hiking trails showcasing local flora and fauna. A highlight of the visitor center is the 47-foot-high observation tower providing unsurpassed panoramic views of the lake, valley, foothills, Sierra Nevada range, and the Sutter Buttes - the smallest mountain range in the world. Visitor center guides are available to provide tours of the facility to groups and classrooms. Previously provided tours of the Feather River Fish Hatchery are not available while the main hatchery is closed to the public. The nearby Fish Barrier Dam overlook, fish ladder, and underwater viewing window - all with interpretive signage - remain open to the public. Please contact the VC Guides at (530) 538-2219 for more information. Photo: Lake Oroville Visitor Center Observation Tower  Loafer Creek Fuels Management With the firefighting season wrapping up, crews from CAL FIRE’s Butte Fire Center, along with crews from California Conservation Corps and the Butte County Sheriff Office, are performing various fuel reduction projects using heavy equipment, hand cutting, chipping, and burning of prioritized overgrown vegetative areas within the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) project boundary of DWR’s Oroville-Thermalito Complex. Hikers and equestrian users of the Roy Rogers Trail in the Loafer Creek recreation area, visitors to the area, and motorists along Highway 162 are advised to be mindful of safety when near work zones. DWR, CAL FIRE, and California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) partner on DWR’s Fuel Load Management Plan and CAL FIRE’s Vegetation Management Plan to reduce wildfire risk and increase public safety around the FERC project boundary, including Lake Oroville. With help from area partners, approximately 840 acres have been manually thinned, re-thinned, grazed, and/or treated with prescribed fire since November 2012. DWR’s goal is to treat 150 acres this season. Photo: Heavy equipment clears brush at Loafer Creek Recreation Area  Oroville Recreation
Bidwell Canyon’s Stage III concrete boat ramp is now open to boaters. The single-lane gravel boat ramp at Oroville Dam’s Spillway Boat Ramp area will continue to be open as conditions permit. Boaters on the lake are advised to be aware of unexpected shallow water, obstruction hazards, and floating debris. Access to boats and houseboats at both Bidwell Canyon and Lime Saddle marinas should be coordinated through the marina prior to arrival by calling (530) 589-9175 or by utilizing the shuttle service at Bidwell Canyon Marina. Shuttle services to Lime Saddle Marina is not being provided at this time. The Thermalito Afterbay and Thermalito South Forebay continue to be open to power boating. Numerous Day Use Area (DUA) facilities with picnic tables and restrooms at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) are open 8 a.m. to sunset. Bidwell, Lime Saddle, and Loafer Creek recreation areas are open 24 hours. The Oroville Dam Crest Road across Oroville Dam is available 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily with the Spillway trailhead and boat launch open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. The top of the dam is open to pedestrians and bicyclists 24-hours a day. DWR’s new trail maps of over 97 miles of trails available to equestrians, bicyclists, and hikers wishing to explore Oroville’s natural beauty in the cooler fall weather are available at many Oroville locations including Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) kiosks, Oroville Wildlife Area office on Oro Dam Boulevard West, the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Feather River Recreation and Parks District. Visit the California Parks LOSRA webpage for current information on facility status and campground reservations. An interactive map of recreation facilities in DWR’s Oroville-Thermalito Complex is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. Information about the 11,000-acre Oroville Wildlife Area is available on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage. Photo: Boaters launching at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area's Bidwell Canyon Stage III boat ramp Lakeside Access Road Construction The Lakeside Access Road project is underway. This project will consist of a new, permanent, paved road from the west side of Oroville Dam to the Spillway Boat Ramp parking lot on the “lakeside,” or waterside, of the Oroville Dam spillways. This new road will allow a more direct route when water levels are low in Lake Oroville. The new road will include two concrete traffic lanes, wide shoulders for walking and biking, guardrails, and safety signage. Additionally, the contractor will be removing and replacing deteriorating asphalt from the Stage I Spillway Boat Ramp. Visitors to Oroville Dam can expect to see large construction equipment and material deliveries in the area through January as the contractor works to complete the project. Please use caution and respect the construction fencing and safety signage when visiting Oroville Dam or the Spillway Boat Ramp. Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 670 feet elevation and storage is about 1.04 million acre-feet, which is 29 percent of its total capacity and 59 percent of historical average. The current forecast indicates mainly dry conditions through next week. Temperatures will range in the low- to mid-60s this weekend and continuing into next week. Total flows to the Feather River are at 950 cubic feet per second (cfs) for meeting downstream water quality and flow requirements. Flow in the low-flow channel, through the City of Oroville, is 650 cfs and flow through the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet is 300 cfs. Releases are assessed daily and continued release reductions are expected to conserve water. 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 11/18/2021 ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.  November 12, 2021 Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission Public Meeting The California Natural Resources Agency is hosting its ninth Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission meeting on Dec. 3, 2021, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. The public meeting will be held online and will include presentations and public comment. The commission will receive an overview of downstream flood management and preparedness as well as an update on the Water Control Manual from a representative of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Citizens Advisory Commission is a forum to provide public feedback from the communities surrounding Oroville Dam. For information on how to join the virtual meeting, please visit https://bit.ly/OrovilleCAC. Lake Oroville Boating Bidwell Canyon’s Stage III concrete boat ramp is now open to boaters. Water elevations at Lake Oroville have benefited from recent precipitation events, pushing lake levels above the bottom of the ramp. The single-lane gravel boat ramp at Oroville Dam’s Spillway Boat Ramp area will continue to be open as conditions permit. The California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) order prohibiting nighttime boating is no longer in effect. As always, boaters on the lake are advised to be aware of unexpected shallow water, obstruction hazards, and floating debris. Access to boats and houseboats at both Bidwell Canyon and Lime Saddle marinas should be coordinated through the marina prior to arrival by calling (530) 589-9175 or by utilizing the shuttle service at Bidwell Canyon Marina. Shuttle services to Lime Saddle Marina is not being provided at this time. The Thermalito Afterbay and Thermalito South Forebay continue to be open to power boating. Photo: Bidwell Canyon Stage III boat ramp  Lake Oroville Visitor Center The Lake Oroville Visitor Center is now open to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can tour the center’s exhibits on the construction of Oroville Dam – the tallest dam in the country; the State Water Project which provides water to 27 million Californians and 750,000 acres of farmland; a new interactive water education exhibit, and much more. The visitor center also has a theater featuring videos on local topics and places, such as Oroville Dam and the Feather River Fish Hatchery, as well as walking and hiking trails showcasing local flora and fauna. A highlight of the visitor center is the 47-foot-high observation tower providing unsurpassed panoramic views of the lake, valley, foothills, Sierra Nevada range, and the Sutter Buttes - the smallest mountain range in the world. Visitor center guides are available to provide tours of the facility to groups and classrooms. Previously provided tours of the Feather River Fish Hatchery are not available while the main hatchery is closed to the public. The nearby Fish Barrier Dam overlook, fish ladder, and underwater viewing window - all with interpretive signage - remain open to the public. Please contact the VC Guides at (530) 538-2219 for more information. Photo: Lake Oroville Visitor Center Observation Tower  Loafer Creek Fuels Management DWR, CAL FIRE, and California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) partner on DWR’s Fuel Load Management Plan and CAL FIRE’s Vegetation Management Plan to reduce wildfire risk and increase public safety around the FERC project boundary, including Lake Oroville. Over the next several weeks, crews from California Conservation Corps, Butte County Sheriff Office, and CAL FIRE’s Butte Fire Center will be performing various fuel reduction projects using heavy equipment, hand cutting, chipping, and burning of prioritized overgrown vegetative areas within the FERC project boundary. Trail users and visitors to the area and motorists along Highway 162 are advised to be mindful of safety when near work zones. With help from area partners, approximately 840 acres have been manually thinned, re-thinned, grazed, and/or treated with prescribed fire since November 2012. DWR’s goal is to treat 150 acres this season. Photo: Cleared brush at Loafer Creek Recreation Area (2020) Lakeside Access Road Construction The Lakeside Access Road project began this week. This project will consist of a new, permanent, paved road from the west side of Oroville Dam to the Spillway Boat Ramp parking lot on the “lakeside,” or waterside, of the Oroville Dam spillways. This new road will allow a more direct route when water levels are low in Lake Oroville. The new road will include two concrete traffic lanes, wide shoulders for walking and biking, guardrails, and safety signage. Additionally, the contractor will be removing and replacing deteriorating asphalt from the Stage I Spillway Boat Ramp. Visitors to Oroville Dam can expect to see large construction equipment and material deliveries in the area through January as the contractor works to complete the project. Please use caution and respect the construction fencing and safety signage when visiting Oroville Dam or the Spillway Boat Ramp.  Oroville Recreation
Numerous Day Use Area (DUA) facilities with picnic tables and restrooms at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) are open 8 a.m. to sunset. Bidwell, Lime Saddle, and Loafer Creek recreation areas are open 24 hours. The Oroville Dam Crest Road across Oroville Dam is available 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily with the Spillway trailhead and boat launch open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. The top of the dam is open to pedestrians and bicyclists 24-hours a day. DWR’s new trail maps of over 97 miles of trails available to equestrians, bicyclists, and hikers wishing to explore Oroville’s natural beauty in the cooler fall weather are available at many Oroville locations including Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) kiosks, Oroville Wildlife Area office on Oro Dam Boulevard West, the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Feather River Recreation and Parks District. Visit the California Parks LOSRA webpage for current information on facility status and campground reservations. An interactive map of recreation facilities in DWR’s Oroville-Thermalito Complex is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. Information about the 11,000-acre Oroville Wildlife Area is available on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage. Photo: Equestrian campground and day use area at Loafer Creek Recreation Area Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 667 feet elevation and storage is about 1 million acre-feet, which is 29 percent of its total capacity and 57 percent of historical average. Lake Oroville continues to show incremental storage gains. The current forecast indicates mainly dry conditions through next week. Temperatures will range in the low-70s this weekend, then low to mid-60s next week. Total flows to the Feather River are at 950 cubic feet per second (cfs) for meeting downstream water quality and flow requirements. Flow in the low-flow channel, through the City of Oroville, is 650 cfs and flow through the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet is 300 cfs. Releases are assessed daily and continued release reductions are expected to conserve water. 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 11/11/2021 ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.  November 5, 2021 Lake Oroville Visitor Center The Lake Oroville Visitor Center is now open to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can tour the Center’s exhibits on the construction of Oroville Dam – the tallest dam in the country; the State Water Project which provides water to 27 million Californians and 750,000 acres of farmland; a new interactive water education exhibit, and much more. The visitor center also has a theater featuring videos on local topics and places such as Oroville Dam and the Feather River Fish Hatchery as well as walking and hiking trails showcasing local flora and fauna. A highlight of the visitor center is the 47-foot-high observation tower providing unsurpassed panoramic views of the lake, valley, foothills, Sierra Nevada range and the Sutter Buttes - the smallest mountain range in the world. Visitor center guides are available to provide tours of the facility to groups and classrooms. Previously provided tours of the Feather River Fish Hatchery are not available while the main hatchery is closed to the public. The nearby Fish Barrier Dam overlook, fish ladder, and underwater viewing window - all with interpretive signage - remain open to the public. Please contact the VC Guides at 530-538-2219 for more information. Photo: Visitor from Utah tests his knowledge on the Visitor Center's new interactive water globe Oroville Recreation Advisory Committee The Oroville Recreation Advisory Committee held a public virtual meeting on Friday, Nov. 5. ORAC was established by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to review and provide recommendations regarding DWR’s recreation plan for the P-2100 – Oroville Facilities. The 13-member committee is made up of representatives from state and local government, sports and recreation groups, and business and community organizations. To obtain a summary of the meeting, send a request to oroville@water.ca.gov.  Loafer Creek Fuels Management CAL FIRE/Butte County Fire Department ignited burn piles in the Loafer Creek Recreation Area this week to remove dangerous fuels collected in the North Complex wildfire (2020) burn scar area. The piles will be closely monitored and smoke may be visible at times in the Kelly Ridge and Greater Oroville areas throughout the duration of the project. DWR, CAL FIRE, and California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) partner on DWR’s Fuel Load Management Plan and CAL FIRE’s Vegetation Management Plan to reduce wildfire risk and increase public safety around the FERC project boundary, including Lake Oroville. Over the next several weeks, crews from California Conservation Corps, Butte County Sheriff Office, and CAL FIRE’s Butte Fire Center will be performing various fuel reduction projects using heavy equipment, hand cutting, chipping, and burning of prioritized overgrown vegetative areas within the FERC project boundary. Trail users and visitors to the area and motorists along Highway 162 are advised to be mindful of safety when near work zones. With help from area partners, approximately 840 acres have been manually thinned, re-thinned, grazed, and/or treated with prescribed fire since November 2012. DWR’s goal is to treat 150 acres this season. Photo: Burn piles at Loafer Creek's North Complex wildfire burn scar (CAL FIRE) Lakeside Access Road Construction The Lakeside Access Road project began this week. This project will consist of a new, permanent, paved road from the west side of Oroville Dam to the Spillway Boat Ramp parking lot on the “lakeside,” or waterside, of the Oroville Dam spillways. This new road will allow a more direct route when water levels are low in Lake Oroville. The new road will include two concrete traffic lanes, wide shoulders for walking and biking, guardrails, and safety signage. Additionally, the contractor will be removing and replacing deteriorating asphalt from the Stage I Spillway Boat Ramp. Visitors to Oroville Dam can expect to see large construction equipment and material deliveries in the area through January as the contractor works to complete the project. Please use caution and respect the construction fencing and safety signage when visiting Oroville Dam or the Spillway Boat Ramp.  Lake Oroville Boating The temporary, single-lane boat ramp at Oroville Dam’s Spillway Boat Ramp area is open for public use from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. to launch trailered boats. Vehicles within the parking lot at closing time will be locked in until the next morning. The water depth covering the bottom of Bidwell Canyon paved Stage III boat ramp is still not deep enough to provide safe boat launching. Lake levels have and are expected to continue to increase as a result because of recent and forecasted rainfall events. Boaters are advised to park vehicles and trailers well above lake level when boating on the lake. The spillway auxiliary ramp has a gravel surface which becomes slippery when wet, especially during times of heavy usage. To maintain the integrity of the ramp, drivers must avoid tire spin by placing vehicles in 4-wheel drive and accelerating slowly when exiting the ramp, with or without a loaded trailer. As weather conditions and lake levels change, the fitness of the ramp for continued use will be regularly assessed. Boaters on the lake are advised to be aware of unexpected shallow water and obstruction hazards such as partially submerged trees exposed by low lake levels. State Parks has issued an order for the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) that boating access on Lake Oroville is not permitted starting one-half hour after sunset and ending one-half hour before sunrise due to navigational hazards. Houseboats and vessels remaining on the water must be on their mooring ball or in a slip during hours of lake closure. Additional information can be obtained by calling State Parks at (530) 538-2200. All access to boats and houseboats at both Bidwell Canyon and Lime Saddle Marinas must be coordinated through the marina prior to arrival by calling (530)589-9175 or by utilizing the shuttle service at Bidwell Canyon Marina. Shuttle services to Lime Saddle Marina is not being provided at this time. The Thermalito Afterbay and Thermalito South Forebay continue to be open to power boating. Photo: Temporary gravel boat launch ramp at Oroville Dam's Spillway boat ramp area (Oct. 26)  Oroville Recreation Over 97 miles of trails around Lake Oroville, along the Feather River, Thermalito Diversion Pool, Forebays and Afterbay, and the Oroville Wildlife Area are available to equestrians, bicyclists, and hikers wishing to explore Oroville’s natural beauty in the cooler fall weather. Trail maps are available at many Oroville locations including Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) kiosks, Oroville Wildlife Area office on Oro Dam Boulevard West, the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Feather River Recreation and Parks District. Numerous Day Use Area (DUA) facilities with picnic tables and restrooms at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) are open 8 a.m. to sunset. Bidwell, Lime Saddle, and Loafer Creek recreation areas are open 24 hours. The Oroville Dam Crest Road across Oroville Dam is available 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily with the Spillway trailhead and boat launch open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. The top of the dam is open to pedestrians and bicyclists 24-hours a day. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center anticipates re-opening later this year. The Forebay Aquatic Center at the North Forebay recreation area has closed for the season but the recreation area remains open with picnic tables, restrooms, and beach facilities. Visit the California Parks LOSRA webpage for current information on facility status and campground reservations. An interactive map of recreation facilities in DWR’s Oroville-Thermalito Complex is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. Information about the 11,000-acre Oroville Wildlife Area is available on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage. Photo: Hiking the Brad Freeman Trail across from the Spillway  Be Flood Prepared
Flooding risks are present across California and especially near areas impacted by past and recent wildfires. Make sure you are prepared for flood events through these three steps:
Visit DWR’s Flood Preparedness webpage for information about keeping you, your loved ones, and community safe. Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 662 feet elevation and storage is about 990,000-acre-feet, which is 28 percent of its total capacity and 55 percent of historical average. Since Oct. 18, Lake Oroville has seen a rise of about 33 feet and an increase in storage of about 200 thousand acre-feet with continuing incremental storage gains. The current forecast indicates precipitation on Saturday and early next week, up to 1.4 inches of rain, with temperatures ranging in the low 60s to high-50s, then warming up later in the week to the high-60s to low-70s. Since Oct. 25, DWR has decreased releases, and as of Nov. 4, total flows to the Feather River are at 950 cubic feet per second (cfs) for meeting downstream water quality and flow requirements. Flow in the low-flow channel, through the City of Oroville, is 650 cfs and flow through the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet is 300 cfs. Releases are assessed daily and continued release reductions are expected to conserve water. 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 11/4/2021 ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.  October 29, 2021 Historic Storm Impacts The recent series of atmospheric river (AR) storms, including a Category 5 AR Oct. 24-25 that set record-breaking rainfall totals across Northern California, dropped over 10 inches of rain in the Feather River watershed that supplies the Lake Oroville Reservoir. The reservoir’s elevation on Friday, Oct. 22 was 629 feet and by Wednesday, Oct. 27 had reached 658 feet, an increase of 29 feet. Inflows from the storm continue to arrive as the region prepares for another storm, making this one of the wettest Octobers on record. Lake Oroville’s historic low lake levels have exposed areas of the lakebed that have been underwater for decades, accumulating layers of silt that easily erode in heavy precipitation events. This type of erosion was very noticeable near the Bidwell Canyon Stage III boat ramp. The concrete boat ramp is not in any danger because it is built on a solid foundation of compacted gravel and armored along its slopes with large stones called riprap which reduce erosion impacts. Lake level rise will stop further erosion from occurring. Woody debris carried on inflows from each fork of the Feather River was about what is normally expected from heavy storms. The Department of Water Resources’ (DWR) Oroville Field Division’s Civil Maintenance crews are deploying log booms to restrict the movement of floating debris into the main body of the lake. These log booms will be repositioned over the coming months as lake elevations rise. Photo: October storm erosion at Bidwell Stage III boat ramp Oroville Recreation Advisory Committee The Oroville Recreation Advisory Committee will hold a public virtual meeting on Friday, Nov. 5 from 9 a.m. to noon. Interested persons can register for the meeting at https://ca-water-gov.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcpd-mprTojGdFyLVFrSqQQxfBljOLERijl. Instructions for joining the meeting will be sent in the confirmation email. ORAC was established by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to review and provide recommendations regarding DWR’s recreation plan for the P-2100 – Oroville Facilities. The 13-member committee is made up of representatives from state and local government, sports and recreation groups, and business and community organizations. Lakeside Access Road Construction The Lakeside Access Road project began this week. This project will consist of a new, permanent, paved road from the west side of Oroville Dam to the Spillway Boat Ramp parking lot on the “lakeside,” or waterside, of the Oroville Dam spillways. This new road will allow a more direct route when water levels are low in Lake Oroville (below 800 feet elevation). The new road will include two concrete traffic lanes, wide shoulders for walking and biking, guardrails, and safety signage. Additionally, the contractor will be removing and replacing deteriorating asphalt from the Stage I Spillway Boat Ramp. Visitors to Oroville Dam can expect to see large construction equipment and material deliveries in the area through January as the contractor works to complete the project. Please use caution and respect the construction fencing and safety signage when visiting Oroville Dam or the Spillway Boat Ramp.  Water Quality Working Group In late fall of 2020, Butte County, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES), Department of Water Resources (DWR), State Water Resources Control Board and Regional Water Quality Control Boards (Water Boards), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Department of Parks and Recreation, and local water purveyors formed the North Complex Watershed Working Group to monitor and evaluate watershed and infrastructure response to the North Complex wildfire from 2020. This working group has expanded its scope to include impacts from the 2021 Dixie Fire and will now be called the Feather River Watershed Working Group (Working Group). Additional partner agencies, including affected counties such as Plumas County, have joined others from local, state, and federal levels to coordinate regarding water quality and infrastructure impacts in the watershed. Members of the Working Group also provide technical guidance and expertise to local agencies and partners on water quality monitoring and protections in the post-fire environment. The Working Group is preparing for the upcoming rainy season and currently meets bi-weekly, with the option to increase meeting frequency as the season progresses. The Working Group will continue to provide the public with informational updates on watershed conditions and water quality testing results as they become available. The summary of last year’s findings can be found on the Water Boards’ July 8, 2021 news release. Photo: Water quality experts taking water samples for water quality testing after the North Complex fire (Oct. 2020)  Lake Oroville Boating The temporary, single-lane boat ramp at Oroville Dam’s Spillway Boat Ramp area has reopened for public use from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. to launch trailered boats. Vehicles within the parking lot at closing time will be locked in until the next morning. Lake levels have and are expected to increase as a result of recent rainfall events. Boaters are advised to park vehicles and trailers well above lake level when boating on the lake. The spillway auxiliary ramp has a gravel surface which becomes slippery when wet, especially during times of heavy usage. To maintain the integrity of the ramp, drivers must avoid tire spin by placing vehicles in 4-wheel drive and accelerating slowly when exiting the ramp, with or without a loaded trailer. As weather conditions and lake levels change, the fitness of the ramp for continued use will be regularly assessed. Boaters on the lake are advised to be aware of unexpected shallow water and obstruction hazards such as partially submerged trees exposed by low lake levels. State Parks has issued an order for the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) that boating access on Lake Oroville is not permitted starting one-half hour after sunset and ending one-half hour before sunrise due to navigational hazards. Houseboats and vessels remaining on the water must be on their mooring ball or in a slip during hours of lake closure. Additional information can be obtained by calling State Parks at (530) 538-2200. All access to boats and houseboats at both Bidwell Canyon and Lime Saddle Marinas must be coordinated through the marina prior to arrival by calling (530)589-9175 or by utilizing the shuttle service at Bidwell Canyon Marina. Shuttle services to Lime Saddle Marina is not being provided at this time. The Thermalito Afterbay and Thermalito South Forebay continue to be open to power boating. Photo: Fishing on Lake Oroville  Oroville Recreation Numerous Day Use Area (DUA) facilities with picnic tables and restrooms at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) are open 8 a.m. to sunset. Bidwell, Lime Saddle, and Loafer Creek recreation areas are open 24 hours. The Oroville Dam Crest Road across Oroville Dam is available 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily with the Spillway trailhead and boat launch open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. The top of the dam is open to pedestrians and bicyclists 24-hours a day. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center anticipates re-opening later this year. Over 97 miles of trails around Lake Oroville, along the Feather River, Thermalito Diversion Pool, Forebays and Afterbay, and the Oroville Wildlife Area are available to equestrians, bicyclists, and hikers wishing to explore Oroville’s natural beauty in the cooler fall weather. Trail maps are available at many Oroville locations including Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) kiosks, Oroville Wildlife Area office on Oro Dam Boulevard West, the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Feather River Recreation and Parks District. The Forebay Aquatic Center at the North Forebay recreation area has closed for the season but the recreation area remains open with picnic tables, restrooms, and beach facilities. Visit the California Parks LOSRA webpage for current information on facility status and campground reservations. An interactive map of recreation facilities in DWR’s Oroville-Thermalito Complex is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. Information about the 11,000-acre Oroville Wildlife Area is available on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage. Photo: Trail marker on the Dan Beebe Trail near the Saddle Dam trailhead  Be Flood Prepared
More than seven million California residents are at risk of flooding, and many don’t realize it. Flooding happens throughout the state; every California county has received a flood-related emergency declaration in the past 20 years and flood events during and after drought conditions are not uncommon. Make sure you are prepared for flood events through these three steps:
This year, many communities are at additional risk for flooding because of wildfire damage as evidenced by this week’s National Weather Service’s Flash Flood Watch for the North Complex and Dixie wildfire burn scar areas. Wildfires dramatically change the landscape and ground conditions in a watershed. Natural, unburned vegetation and soil normally act as a sponge during a rainfall event. However, the heat from a fire can bake the ground, creating a surface that will not absorb water and can increase the speed with which water flows off the slope, leading to damaging, and sometimes catastrophic, mud and debris flows. These conditions can be present for years after a wildfire. Visit DWR’s Flood Preparedness webpage for information about keeping you, your loved ones, and community safe. Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 659 feet elevation and storage is about 970,000-acre-feet, which is 27 percent of its total capacity and 53 percent of historical average. Water year 2022, which started on Oct. 1 and ends on Sept. 31, 2022, started off with a series of atmospheric river storms making landfall in northern California. So far, Lake Oroville has seen a rise of about 30 feet and an increase in storage of 170 thousand acre-feet with continuing incremental storage gains. The current forecast indicates dry conditions over the weekend and chance of rain, up to 0.5 inch during the week of Nov. 1 with temperatures in the low to mid-60’s. To manage increased flows in the Oroville Complex, on Oct. 24, DWR increased the total releases from the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet to 2,500 cubic feet per second (cfs) for a total of 3,150 cfs total to the Feather River. Beginning on Oct. 25, DWR has been ramping down total releases to the Feather River. As of Oct. 29, total flows to the Feather River are 1,500 cfs for meeting downstream water quality and flow requirements. Flow in the low-flow channel, through the City of Oroville, is 650 cfs and flow through the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet is 850 cfs. Releases are assessed daily and continued release reductions are expected to conserve water. 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 10/28/2021 ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.  October 22, 2021 Flood Preparedness Week More than seven million California residents are at risk of flooding, and many don’t realize it. Flooding happens throughout the state; every California county has received a flood-related emergency declaration in the past 20 years and flood events during and after drought conditions are not uncommon. Make sure you are prepared for flood events through these three steps:
This year, many communities are at additional risk for flooding because of wildfire damage as evidenced by this week’s National Weather Service’s Flash Flood Watch for the North Complex and Dixie wildfire burn scar areas. Wildfires dramatically change the landscape and ground conditions in a watershed. Natural, unburned vegetation and soil normally act as a sponge during a rainfall event. However, the heat from a fire can bake the ground, creating a surface that will not absorb water and can increase the speed with which water flows off the slope, leading to damaging, and sometimes catastrophic, mud and debris flows. These conditions can be present for years after a wildfire. Visit DWR’s Flood Preparedness webpage for information about keeping you, your loved ones, and community safe. Water Quality Working Group In late fall of 2020, Butte County, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES), Department of Water Resources (DWR), State Water Resources Control Board and Regional Water Quality Control Boards (Water Boards), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Department of Parks and Recreation, and local water purveyors formed the North Complex Watershed Working Group to monitor and evaluate watershed and infrastructure response to the North Complex wildfire from 2020. This working group has expanded its scope to include impacts from the 2021 Dixie Fire and will now be called the Feather River Watershed Working Group (Working Group). Additional partner agencies, including affected counties such as Plumas County, have joined others from local, state, and federal levels to coordinate regarding water quality and infrastructure impacts in the watershed. Members of the Working Group also provide technical guidance and expertise to local agencies and partners on water quality monitoring and protections in the post-fire environment. The Working Group is preparing for the upcoming rainy season and currently meets bi-weekly, with the option to increase meeting frequency as the season progresses. The Working Group will continue to provide the public with informational updates on watershed conditions and water quality testing results as they become available. The summary of last year’s findings can be found on the Water Boards’ July 8, 2021 news release.  Lake Oroville Boating The temporary, single-lane boat ramp at Oroville Dam’s Spillway Boat Ramp area has reopened for public use from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. to launch trailered boats. Vehicles within the parking lot at closing time will be locked in until the next morning. Lake levels are expected to substantially increase as a result of weekend storms. Boaters are advised to park vehicles and trailers well above lake level when boating on the lake. The spillway auxiliary ramp has a gravel surface which becomes slippery when wet, especially during times of heavy usage. To maintain the integrity of the ramp, drivers must avoid tire spin by placing vehicles in 4-wheel drive and accelerating slowly when exiting the ramp, with or without a loaded trailer. As weather conditions and lake levels change, the fitness of the ramp for continued use will be regularly assessed. Boaters on the lake are advised to be aware of unexpected shallow water and obstruction hazards such as partially submerged trees now that lake levels have reached historic lows. State Parks has issued an order for the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) that boating access on Lake Oroville is not permitted starting one-half hour after sunset and ending one-half hour before sunrise due to navigational hazards. Houseboats and vessels remaining on the water must be on their mooring ball or in a slip during hours of lake closure. Additional information can be obtained by calling State Parks at (530) 538-2200. All access to boats and houseboats at both Bidwell Canyon and Lime Saddle Marinas must be coordinated through the marina prior to arrival by calling 530-589-9175 or by utilizing the shuttle service at Bidwell Canyon Marina. Shuttle services to Lime Saddle Marina is not being provided at this time. The Thermalito Afterbay and Thermalito South Forebay continue to be open to power boating. Photo: Oroville Dam Spillway temporary boat ramp  CAL FIRE Work at Loafer Creek Beginning Friday Oct.22, the Butte County burn suspension will be lifted and residential and fire hazard reduction burning will be allowed on permissive burn days. Crews from the Butte Fire Center and CAL FIRE are taking advantage of wet weather to start burning the piles of brush, burnt vegetation, and hazard trees that was removed last season in the North Complex wildfire burn scar. Smoke from the burn piles may be visible from the Oro Quincy Highway (Highway 162). The CAL FIRE news release is available here. Through DWR’s Fuel Load Management Program, DWR partners with CAL FIRE, the California Conservation Corps, Butte County Sheriff Office, Butte County Fire Safe Council, and others on vegetation management projects to reduce fire risk, increase public safety, protect infrastructure, and enhance forest health in areas around Lake Oroville. Approximately 840 acres have been manually thinned, re-thinned, grazed, and/or treated with prescribed fire since November 2012. DWR’s goal is to treat 150 acres this season. Photo: CAL FIRE pile burning project  Oroville Recreation Numerous Day Use Area (DUA) facilities with picnic tables and restrooms at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) are open 8 a.m. to sunset. Bidwell, Lime Saddle, and Loafer Creek recreation areas are open 24 hours. The Oroville Dam Crest Road across Oroville Dam is available 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily with the Spillway trailhead and boat launch open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. The top of the dam is open to pedestrians and bicyclists 24-hours a day. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center anticipates re-opening later this year. Over 97 miles of trails around Lake Oroville, along the Feather River, Thermalito Diversion Pool, Forebays and Afterbay, and the Oroville Wildlife Area are available to equestrians, bicyclists, and hikers wishing to explore Oroville’s natural beauty in the cooler fall weather. Trail maps are available at many Oroville locations including Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) kiosks, Oroville Wildlife Area office on Oro Dam Boulevard West, the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Feather River Recreation and Parks District. The Forebay Aquatic Center at the North Forebay recreation area has closed for the season but the recreation area remains open with picnic tables, restrooms, and beach facilities. Visit the California Parks LOSRA webpage for current information on facility status and campground reservations. An interactive map of recreation facilities in DWR’s Oroville-Thermalito Complex is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. Information about the 11,000-acre Oroville Wildlife Area is available on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage. Photo: Equestrians riding on the Sewim Bo Trail  Chinook Salmon Spawning in the Feather River
Chinook salmon are completing their life cycle and returning home to the Feather River to lay eggs for the next generation of salmon. The Feather River Fish Hatchery’s fish ladder is open and hatchery spawning operations – which enable millions of Chinook salmon to be released to the river every spring – are underway. To protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic, the hatchery continues to be closed. Visitors can still enjoy seeing salmon climb the fish ladder at the Underwater Viewing Area and Overlook near the Feather River’s Fish Diversion Dam north of the hatchery. The public is urged to maintain physical distancing and abide by Butte County requirements for mask-wearing to protect personal health and the health of others. Photo: Visitors watch salmon jump at the Feather River Fish Hatchery Overlook near the Fish Diversion Dam Loafer Point Stage II Boat Ramp Extension Construction work to extend three lanes of the Loafer Point Stage II boat ramp farther into the dry lakebed of Lake Oroville continues. Earthwork and ramp construction will continue until winter precipitation causes lake levels to rise. The existing Stage II facility was completed this spring, providing six new boat launch lanes extending to elevation 702 feet and 180 trailered parking spaces. The new launch lanes are anticipated to go as low as 640 feet elevation. Visitors and nearby residents are reminded to be aware of construction equipment and vehicles, including those entering and exiting the Loafer Creek recreation area at Oro-Quincy Highway. Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 629 feet elevation and storage is about 792,000-acre-feet, which is 22 percent of its total capacity and 37 percent of historical average. Water year 2022 is starting off with a series of atmospheric river storms making landfall in northern California over the next six days. The Feather River watershed is forecasted to see up to 10 inches of rain during that time. Although the storms will not be enough to end the drought conditions, they will provide much needed rainfall to the very dry Feather River watershed. Saturated soils in the watershed will result in higher runoff into streams, rivers, and reservoirs and is anticipated to result in an approximately 20-feet increase in Lake Oroville’s lake elevation. Visitors are advised to park well above lake level when visiting or boating on the lake. Total flows to the Feather River are 1,250 cubic feet per second (cfs) for meeting downstream water quality and flow requirements. Flow in the low-flow channel, through the City of Oroville, is 650 cfs and flow through the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet is 600 cfs. Total releases to the Feather River are assessed daily. The public can track precipitation, snow, reservoir levels, and more at the California Data Exchange Center at www.cdec.water.ca.gov. Lake Oroville is identified as “ORO”. All data as of midnight 10/21/2021 ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.  October 8, 2021 Loafer Point Stage II Boat Ramp Extension Historic low lake levels at Lake Oroville are allowing DWR to extend three lanes of the Loafer Point Stage II boat ramp farther into the dry lakebed. Work to create the new boat launch lanes began this week and will continue until winter precipitation causes lake levels to rise. The existing Stage II facility was completed this spring, providing six new boat launch lanes extending to elevation 702 feet and 180 trailered parking spaces. The Loafer Point Stage II facility is adjacent to an existing Loafer Creek Recreation Day Use Area and Campground, rounding out a full-service recreation destination with nearby trails, campgrounds, boating, and marina store. Additionally, immediate access to the wide-open waters of Lake Oroville makes Loafer Point a popular boat launching location. The Loafer Point Stage I boat launch facility, completed in 2020, added three new boat launch lanes from a full lake down to 799 feet, a new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant parking area, and new restroom facilities. Visitors and nearby residents are reminded to be aware of construction equipment and vehicles, including those entering and exiting the Loafer Creek recreation area at Oro-Quincy Highway. Photo: Loafer Point Stage II Boat Ramp (July 2021)  Fuel Load Management Continues Fuel reduction hand crews and heavy equipment operators from Butte Fire Center and CAL FIRE have returned to the Loafer Creek Recreation Area. Crews will be cutting, chipping, and piling burnt vegetation and hazard trees within the North Complex burn scar. Piles will be burned later this season when weather conditions are favorable. Heavy equipment and crews may be visible from Highway 162. Crews will also be prepping previously treated areas throughout Loafer Creek for a possible prescribed burn later this season. The Department of Water Resources (DWR), in partnership with California Conservation Corps and Butte County Sheriff Office, is developing plans for various fuel reduction projects throughout the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA). When crews are available, they will hand cut and chip prioritized overgrown vegetative areas within the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) project boundary. Areas of concern are the Highway 162 corridor, Kelly Ridge area, the Feather River Fish Hatchery, LOSRA, and nearby infrastructure. The DWR Fuel Load Management Plan (FLMP) goal is to reduce wildfire risk and increase public safety around the FERC project boundary including Lake Oroville. With help from area partners, approximately 840 acres have been manually thinned, re-thinned, grazed, and/or treated with prescribed fire since November 2012. DWR’s goal is to treat 150 acres this season. Photo: Butte Fire Center crews assist in the North Complex burn scar at Loafer Creek recreation area  Bryozoans Visible Again in Lake Oroville Have you seen these ‘creatures’ in Lake Oroville? Bryozoans are freshwater, aquatic invertebrates. There are nearly 5,000 species of bryozoans found throughout the world, and the majority are marine animals. Instead of being a single organism like a jellyfish, bryozoans are made up of thousands of individual microscopic animals called zooids, living in a colony. A single colony will vary in size from approximately 12 to 20 inches but some can grow bigger in diameter. These jelly-like colonies can be found attached to submerged branches, rocks, ropes, and even on houseboat pontoons and motors. They typically appear during the summer and fall months when lake levels are low. Freshwater bryozoans are harmless and non-toxic, though they can occasionally clog underwater objects. Photo: Bryozoan colonies are now visible at Lake Oroville Palermo Tunnel Bulkhead Project DWR engineers and contractors are working to re-install a refurbished bulkhead (controls inflow of water) at the submerged Palermo Tunnel Intake Structure in Lake Oroville next week. A frame and pulley system to make future installations easier will also be installed. The work will be done from a barge on the lake positioned near the Hyatt Powerplant intake structures. Cranes are being used to assemble the barge near Oroville Dam’s Spillway Boat Ramp area over the next couple of weeks. Scuba dive crews and remotely operated vehicle work to install the bulkhead is scheduled for early November. The Palermo Tunnel conveys water from Lake Oroville to the Palermo Canal, a source of water for the South Feather Water and Power Agency, which distributes water to the communities of Oroville, Palermo and Bangor.  Oroville Recreation
The Spillway Day Use Area, Trailhead, and car-top launch ramp are now on Winter Hours, open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Launching of trailered boats at Lake Oroville’s temporary single-lane boat ramp at the Spillway Boat Ramp area remains closed due to unsafe conditions. Hand launching of small boats such as canoes or kayaks is permitted. As lake levels change, the condition of the ramp continues to be reassessed for future use. The Bidwell Canyon Marina at Lake Oroville remains open and is providing shuttle service to boat owners from 8 a.m. until sundown. Boaters are advised to be aware of hazards now that lake levels have reached historic lows. The Thermalito Afterbay and Thermalito South Forebay are open to power boating. The Forebay Aquatic Center at the North Forebay recreation area has closed for the season but the recreation area remains open with picnic tables, restrooms, and beach facilities. Numerous Day Use Area (DUA) facilities with picnic tables and restrooms at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) are open 8 a.m. to sunset. Bidwell, Lime Saddle, and Loafer Creek Recreation Areas are open 24 hours. The Oroville Dam Crest Road across Oroville Dam is available 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily and open to pedestrians and bicyclists 24-hours a day. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center anticipates re-opening later this fall. Over 97 miles of trails around Lake Oroville, along the Feather River, Thermalito Diversion Pool, Forebays and Afterbay, and the Oroville Wildlife Area are available to equestrians, bicyclists, and hikers wishing to explore Oroville’s natural beauty. Trail maps are available at many Oroville locations including Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) kiosks, Oroville Wildlife Area office on Oro Dam Boulevard West, the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Feather River Recreation and Parks District. Visit the California Parks LOSRA webpage for current information on facility status and campground reservations. An interactive map of recreation facilities in DWR’s Oroville-Thermalito Complex is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. Information about the 11,000-acre Oroville Wildlife Area is available on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage. Photo: Sailing on the Thermalito South Forebay Cold Water Temperatures Water temperatures in the Feather River and the Thermalito Diversion Pool, Forebay, and Afterbay continue to range between 48- and 58-degrees Fahrenheit as very cold water from the bottom of Lake Oroville is released through Oroville Dam’s River Valve Outlet System (RVOS). Persons recreating on these waterbodies are advised to wear life jackets. Entering cold water on hot summer days can result in ‘cold water shock’, causing breathing difficulties as well as changes in heart rate and blood pressure and can be life threatening, especially without a life jacket to help you stay afloat. Find cold-water safety tips at the National Weather Service’s Safety webpage. Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 629 feet elevation and storage is about 793-thousand acre-feet, which is 22 percent of its total capacity and 36 percent of historical average. Temperatures are forecasted to be in the low to mid-70s this weekend and into the following week. Total flows to the Feather River are 1,250 cubic feet per second (cfs) for meeting downstream water quality and flow requirements. Flow in the low-flow channel, through the City of Oroville, is 650 cfs and flow through the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet is 600 cfs. Total releases to the Feather River are assessed daily. The public can track precipitation, snow, reservoir levels, and more at the California Data Exchange Center at www.cdec.water.ca.gov. Lake Oroville is identified as “ORO”. All data as of midnight 10/7/2021 ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.  October 1, 2021 Salmon Festival The annual Oroville Salmon Festival was held Saturday, September 25 to celebrate the return of salmon to the Feather River. Centered around historic downtown Oroville and the newly renovated Oroville Convention Center (formerly Memorial Auditorium), attendees enjoyed an activity zone, food vendors, music, craft fair, car show, a downtown street fair, and informational booths. The Feather River Fish Hatchery (FRFH) remains closed, but the Fish Barrier Dam Overlook, fish ladder, and underwater viewing window continue to be open to the public. A video virtual tour of the hatchery is available on the DWR YouTube channel. Photo: Providing education to youth at DWR booth - Salmon Festival 2021  Loafer Point Stage II Boat Ramp Extension Historic low lake levels at Lake Oroville are allowing DWR to extend three lanes of the Loafer Point Stage II boat ramp farther into the dry lakebed. Work to create the new boat launch lanes will begin the week of Oct. 4 and will continue until winter precipitation causes lake levels to rise. The existing Stage II facility was completed this spring, providing six new boat launch lanes extending to elevation 702 feet and 180 trailered parking spaces. The Loafer Point Stage II facility is adjacent to an existing Loafer Creek Recreation Day Use Area and Campground, rounding out a full-service recreation destination with nearby trails, campgrounds, boating, and marina store. Additionally, immediate access to the wide-open waters of Lake Oroville makes Loafer Point a popular boat launching location. The Loafer Point Stage I boat launch facility, completed in 2020, added three new boat launch lanes from a full lake down to 799 feet, a new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant parking area, and new restroom facilities. Visitors and nearby residents are reminded to be aware of construction equipment and vehicles, including those entering and exiting the Loafer Creek recreation area at Oro-Quincy Highway. Photo: Loafer Point Stage II Boat Ramp (July 2021)  Bryozoans Visible Again in Lake Oroville Have you seen these ‘creatures’ in Lake Oroville? Bryozoans are freshwater, aquatic invertebrates. There are nearly 5,000 species of bryozoans found throughout the world with the majority being marine animals. Instead of being a single organism like a jellyfish, bryozoans are made up of thousands of individual microscopic animals called zooids, living in a colony. A single colony will vary in size from approximately 12 to 20 inches but some can grow bigger in diameter. These jelly-like colonies can be found attached to submerged branches, rocks, ropes, and even on houseboat pontoons and motors. They typically appear during the summer and fall months when lake levels are low. Freshwater bryozoans are harmless and non-toxic, though they can occasionally clog underwater objects. Photo: Bryozoan colonies are now visible at Lake Oroville Palermo Tunnel Bulkhead Project Department of Water Resources (DWR) engineers and contractors will begin a project to re-install a refurbished bulkhead (controls inflow of water) at the submerged Palermo Tunnel Intake Structure in Lake Oroville next week. A frame and pulley system to make future installations easier will also be installed. The work will be done from a barge on the lake positioned near the Hyatt Powerplant intake structures. Inspection for quagga mussels and barge assembly, including the use of cranes, will take place near Oroville Dam’s Spillway Boat Ramp area over the next couple of weeks. Actual dive and remotely operated vehicle work to install the bulkhead is scheduled for early November. The Palermo Tunnel conveys water from Lake Oroville to the Palermo Canal, a source of water for the South Feather Water and Power Agency, which distributes water to the communities of Oroville, Palermo and Bangor.  Oroville Recreation
Over 97 miles of trails around Lake Oroville, along the Feather River, Thermalito Diversion Pool, Forebays and Afterbay, and the Oroville Wildlife Area are available to equestrians, bicyclists, and hikers wishing to explore Oroville’s natural beauty. A map of the trails maintained by DWR and California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) is now available at many Oroville locations including Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) kiosks, Oroville Wildlife Area office on Oro Dam Boulevard West, the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Feather River Recreation and Parks District. Visitors to the Thermalito North Forebay will find a full CA Parks facility with restrooms, picnic areas, a swim beach, and the Forebay Aquatic Center with kayaks, paddle boards, and other watercraft available for rent. Numerous Day Use Area (DUA) facilities with picnic tables and restrooms at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) are open 8 a.m. to sunset. Bidwell, Lime Saddle, and Loafer Creek Recreation Areas are open 24 hours. The Oroville Dam Crest Road across Oroville Dam is available 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily and open to pedestrians and bicyclists 24-hours a day. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center anticipates re-opening later this fall. Launching of trailered boats at Lake Oroville’s temporary single-lane boat ramp at the Spillway Boat Ramp area remains closed due to unsafe conditions. Hand launching of small boats such as canoes or kayaks is permitted. As lake levels drop, the condition of the ramp continues to be reassessed for future use. The Bidwell Canyon Marina at Lake Oroville remains open and is providing shuttle service to boat owners from 8 a.m. until sundown. Boaters are advised to be aware of hazards now that lake levels have reached historic lows. The Thermalito Afterbay and Thermalito South Forebay are open to power boating. Visit the California Parks LOSRA webpage for current information on facility status and campground reservations. An interactive map of recreation facilities in DWR’s Oroville-Thermalito Complex is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. Information about the 11,000-acre Oroville Wildlife Area is available on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage. Photo: Bicyclists on the Brad Freeman Trail near the Thermalito Diversion Pool Cold Water Temperatures Water temperatures in the Feather River and the Thermalito Diversion Pool, Forebay, and Afterbay continue to range between 48- and 58-degrees Fahrenheit as very cold water from the bottom of Lake Oroville is released through Oroville Dam’s River Valve Outlet System (RVOS). Persons recreating on these waterbodies are advised to wear life jackets. Entering cold water on hot summer days can result in ‘cold water shock’, causing breathing difficulties as well as changes in heart rate and blood pressure and can be life threatening, especially without a life jacket to help you stay afloat. Find cold-water safety tips at the National Weather Service’s Safety webpage. Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 628 feet elevation and storage is about 787-thousand acre-feet which is 22 percent of its total capacity and 36 percent of historical average. Temperatures are forecasted to be in the low 90s with gradual cooling to the low 80s to mid-70s next week. Total flows to the Feather River are 1,250 cubic feet per second (cfs) for meeting downstream water quality and flow requirements. Flow in the low-flow channel, through the City of Oroville, is 650 cfs and flow through the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet is 600 cfs. Total releases to the Feather River are assessed daily. The public can track precipitation, snow, reservoir levels, and more at the California Data Exchange Center at www.cdec.water.ca.gov. Lake Oroville is identified as “ORO”. All data as of midnight 9/30/2021 ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.  September 17, 2021 Salmon Festival Oroville’s Salmon Festival is scheduled for Sept. 25 to celebrate the return of salmon to the Feather River. Always held on the last Saturday in September, the celebration was canceled in 2020. Due to the ongoing pandemic, additional hand washing/sanitizing stations and free masks will be provided to promote public health and safety at this year’s event. Attendees are required to follow all Butte County public health guidelines relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event will be centered around historic downtown Oroville and the newly renovated Oroville Convention Center (formerly Memorial Auditorium) with an activity zone, food vendors, music, craft fair, car show, and informational booths. No tours will be provided at the Feather River Fish Hatchery (FRFH) but the Viewing Area, fish ladder, and underwater viewing window remain open to the public. A video virtual tour of the hatchery will be shown at the Convention Center. Those wanting to see the salmon in their natural habitat can sign up for “Float with the Salmon” raft trips down the Feather River. DWR biologists accompanying each raft will offer “on-the-water” education about the salmonid life cycle and river habitat. For details, visit the Salmon Festival’s website. Photo: Photo booth at DWR tent - Salmon Festival 2018 Feather River Cleanup DWR will participate in the annual Feather River Cleanup Event, hosted by the Feather River Recreation and Park District (FRRPD) on Saturday, Sept. 18 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The event to restore the health of the Feather River and surrounding trails includes trash pickup and invasive plant removal. DWR will provide a boat and staff to support the in-river portion of the cleanup event and coordinate with FRRPD and Recology on the removal of collected in-river trash and large debris. Volunteers are directed to check-in at Riverbend Park’s Salmon Pavilion at the end of Montgomery Street in Oroville. Supplies will be provided but volunteers are encouraged to wear long pants, long sleeved shirts, and boots or sturdy shoes. Sunscreen, water, and work gloves are also recommended.  Over 150 Acres Treated Around Lake Oroville This Season During the 2020-2021 season, DWR partnered with CAL FIRE, CA Conservation Corps (CCC), Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), Butte County Fire Safe Council (BCFSC), and Butte County Sheriff Office (BCSO) to treat approximately 155 acres within the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) project boundary around DWR’s Oroville facilities. A variety of fuel load treatments were successfully utilized including mastication, thinning, chipping, piling, weed eating, and grazing. Areas were treated around Bidwell Canyon and Loafer Creek, along with areas at Lakeland Blvd., Old Ferry Road, and the Feather River Fish Hatchery in Oroville. At Loafer Creek within the North Complex wildfire burn scar, CAL FIRE, CCC, and BCSO crews masticated, hand thinned, piled, and chipped approximately 60 acres of burnt vegetation. Treatment was completed along the Roy Rogers trail, access roads, around seasonal drainages, and along the Highway 162 corridor to increase public safety. Piles will be burnt this winter when crews are available and weather is favorable. DWR has temporarily paused Fuel Load Management Plan (FLMP) projects as wildfires throughout California are using available fuels reduction crews. As fire seasons grow longer, the FLMP season, which previously began in September, now runs from December to May -- after fire crews stop fighting fires and before the dry weather returns. Planning for the 2021-2022 season includes defining and scoping site-specific projects, defining and securing permits and approvals, securing funding, and contracting for the work. Emphasis will be given to areas that have been previously treated in order to manage regrowth, removing burnt trees and vegetation within the burn scar, and treating overgrown areas around the FERC project boundary. DWR’s goal is to treat and/or re-treat 1,000 acres over the next five years. Photo: Before and after FLMP treatment near Highway 162  Oroville Recreation
Launching of trailered boats at Lake Oroville’s temporary single-lane boat ramp at the Spillway Boat Ramp area remains closed due to unsafe conditions. Hand launching of small boats such as canoes or kayaks is permitted. As lake levels drop, the condition of the ramp continues to be reassessed for future use. The Bidwell Canyon Marina at Lake Oroville remains open and is providing shuttle service to boat owners from 8 a.m. until sundown. Boaters are advised to be aware of hazards now that lake levels have reached historic lows. The Thermalito Afterbay and Thermalito South Forebay are open to power boating. Over 97 miles of trails around Lake Oroville, along the Feather River, Thermalito Diversion Pool, Forebays and Afterbay, and the Oroville Wildlife Area are available to equestrians, bicyclists, and hikers wishing to explore Oroville’s natural beauty. A map of the trails maintained by DWR and California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) is now available at many Oroville locations including Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) kiosks, Oroville Wildlife Area office on Oro Dam Boulevard West, the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Feather River Recreation and Parks District. Visitors to the Thermalito North Forebay will find a full CA Parks facility with restrooms, picnic areas, a swim beach, and the Forebay Aquatic Center with kayaks, paddle boards, and other watercraft available for rent. Numerous Day Use Area (DUA) facilities with picnic tables and restrooms at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) are open 8 a.m. to sunset. Bidwell, Lime Saddle, and Loafer Creek Recreation Areas are open 24 hours. The Oroville Dam Crest Road across Oroville Dam is available 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily and open to pedestrians and bicyclists 24-hours a day. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center anticipates re-opening later this summer. Visit the California Parks LOSRA webpage for current information on facility status and campground reservations. An interactive map of recreation facilities in DWR’s Oroville-Thermalito Complex is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. Information about the 11,000-acre Oroville Wildlife Area is available on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage. Photo: Walkers take advantage of the mile long distance across Oroville Dam Cold Water Temperatures Water temperatures in the Feather River and the Thermalito Diversion Pool, Forebay, and Afterbay continue to range between 48- and 58-degrees Fahrenheit as very cold water from the bottom of Lake Oroville is released through Oroville Dam’s River Valve Outlet System (RVOS). Persons recreating on these waterbodies are advised to wear life jackets. Entering cold water on hot summer days can result in ‘cold water shock’, causing breathing difficulties as well as changes in heart rate and blood pressure and can be life threatening, especially without a life jacket to help you stay afloat. Find cold-water safety tips at the National Weather Service’s Safety webpage. Oroville Area Algal Bloom Status DWR’s Oroville Field Division has concluded recreational swim beach cyanotoxin monitoring. Monitoring for cyanotoxins at the at these water bodies occurs weekly from Memorial Day to Labor Day. This year no toxic algal blooms were detected at beaches in either the Thermalito Afterbay or the Thermalito Forebay. DWR’s Environmental Scientists will continue to assess any reported algal blooms as visitors continue to enjoy these recreation areas. How can you keep yourself, your family, and your pets safe from HABs? Visit the Water Board’s website and DWR’s digital article on the DWR Updates webpage. The public is encouraged to report algal blooms on the HAB reporting webpage. Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 628 feet elevation and storage is about 788-thousand acre-feet which is 22 percent of its total capacity and 35 percent of historical average. Cooler temperatures are expected this weekend in the mid-70s to low 80s. Rain is forecasted in the Feather River watershed in the range of 0.5 to 1 inch. No appreciable increase of Lake Oroville inflow is expected due to the dry soils. Temperatures are forecasted to increase during the week of Sept. 20 to the mid-80s to low 90s. Total flows to the Feather River are 1,250 cubic feet per second (cfs) for meeting downstream water quality and flow requirements. Flow in the low flow channel, through the City of Oroville, is 650 cfs and flow through the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet is 600 cfs. Total releases to the Feather River are assessed daily. The public can track precipitation, snow, reservoir levels, and more at the California Data Exchange Center at www.cdec.water.ca.gov. Lake Oroville is identified as “ORO”. All data as of midnight 9/9/2021 ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.  August 27, 2021 Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission Public Meeting The California Natural Resources Agency held its eighth Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission meeting on August 27, 2021. The online public meeting included an overview of major projects and maintenance plans at the Oroville Dam facilities and a presentation by a State Water Contractor. Members of the public also offered comments and asked questions. The Citizens Advisory Commission is a forum to provide public feedback from the communities surrounding Oroville Dam. The meeting transcript and presentations will be available on the Commission’s website in the coming weeks, visit https://bit.ly/OrovilleCAC. Oroville Wildlife Area Habitat Project The season is ending for the sunflowers and safflowers planted this spring on 60 acres of the Oroville Wildlife Area (OWA) near the Thermalito Afterbay to provide food (forage), shelter, and nesting cover for migrating and native birds. Their stalks and flowers are withered and dry, but their nutritious seeds are plentiful, providing welcome energy to birds migrating the Pacific Flyway and those calling the Sacramento Valley their home. This is the time of year when staff from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) mow down the dried flowers, leaving behind acres of seeds and the natural mulch of stems and leaves to nourish and strengthen the soil for next year’s crops. CDFW staff manage the 11,000-acre OWA for the Department of Water Resources (DWR) and farm over 300 acres of grains, grasses, and flowering plants yearly to augment the area’s food supply and add diversity to the area’s wildlife habitat. Learn more about this habitat project on the DWR Updates webpage. Photo: CDFW staff mow fields of sunflowers near the Thermalito Afterbay  Boating at Oroville Launching of trailered boats at Lake Oroville’s temporary single-lane boat ramp at the Spillway Boat Ramp area remains closed due to unsafe conditions. Hand launching of small boats such as canoes or kayaks is permitted. As lake levels drop, the condition of the ramp continues to be reassessed for future use. The Bidwell Canyon Marina remains open and is providing shuttle service to boat owners from 8 a.m. until sundown. Trees, stumps, and landforms are surfacing due to low lake elevations, creating navigational hazards. Boating access on Lake Oroville is not permitted starting one-half hour after sunset and ending one-half hour before sunrise. Houseboats and vessels remaining on the water must be on their mooring ball or in a slip during hours of lake closure. Additional information can be obtained by calling State Parks at (530) 538-2200. Boaters are reminded that low lake levels bring new boating hazards, including tree stumps and snags, and newly emerging outcrops. Power boats are allowed on the Thermalito South Forebay as well as the Thermalito Afterbay. A 5-miles per hour speed limit for all boats is enforced on the Afterbay north of the Highway 162 bridge and near the brood ponds on the east side of the reservoir. No motorized boating is allowed in the Thermalito North Forebay. The Monument Hill facility at Thermalito Afterbay provides boat ramp access, restrooms, a picnic area, and a swim beach. The Thermalito South Forebay facility has a two-lane boat ramp, parking, restroom, picnic tables, BBQs, shade trees, and a fish cleaning station. Photo: Monument Hill boat ramp and boarding dock at Thermalito Afterbay  Oroville Recreation Visitors to the Thermalito North Forebay will find a full CA Parks facility with restrooms, picnic areas, a swim beach, and the Forebay Aquatic Center with kayaks, paddle boards, and other watercraft available for rent. Numerous Day Use Area (DUA) facilities with picnic tables and restrooms at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) are open 8 a.m. to sunset. Bidwell, Lime Saddle, and Loafer Creek Recreation Areas are open 24 hours. The Oroville Dam Crest Road across Oroville Dam is available 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily and open to pedestrians and bicyclists 24-hours a day. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center anticipates re-opening later this summer. Visit the California Parks LOSRA webpage for current information on facility status and campground reservations. An interactive map of recreation facilities in DWR’s Oroville-Thermalito Complex is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. Information about the 11,000-acre Oroville Wildlife Area is available on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage. And don’t forget to pick up the new Lake Oroville Trails map now available at many Oroville locations including LOSRA kiosks, Oroville Wildlife Area office on Oro Dam Boulevard West, the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Feather River Recreation and Parks District. Over 97 miles of trails maintained by State Parks and DWR are included. Photo: Swim beach at the Thermalito North Forebay Cold Water Temperatures Water temperatures in the Feather River and the Thermalito Diversion Pool, Forebay, and Afterbay continue to range between 48 and 58 degrees as very cold water from the bottom of Lake Oroville is released through Oroville Dam’s River Valve Outlet System (RVOS). Persons recreating on these waterbodies are advised to wear life jackets. Entering cold water on hot summer days can result in ‘cold water shock’, causing breathing difficulties as well as changes in heart rate and blood pressure and can be life threatening, especially without a life jacket to help you stay afloat. Find cold-water safety tips at the National Weather Service’s Safety webpage.  Blue Green Algae Monitoring
DWR environmental scientists regularly monitor for blue-green algae and their toxins during the summer months. There are currently no harmful algal bloom (HAB) advisories for Lake Oroville, the Thermalito Forebay, or the Thermalito Afterbay. Water samples are taken at various locations regularly from Memorial Day through Labor Day. To learn more about HABs, or to report a HAB visit the Water Board’s website. Photo: Collecting algae samples for testing - Lake Oroville Drought Information DWR has created a “Drought” webpage where definitions, historical trends, current information, and maps of California’s water systems can be found. Links to resources, DWR activities, research, and data are available. Read about how heatwaves are impacting drought conditions on the DWR Updates webpage. The State of California recently launched a website drought.ca.gov. This website will serve as the State’s primary location for public drought news and information. DWR is encouraging water conservation efforts by all Californians. Find out ways you can help by visiting the “Save Our Water” website. Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 631 feet elevation and storage is just below 803-thousand acre-feet which is 23 percent of its total capacity and 34 percent of historical average. Temperatures in the upper 90s are expected this weekend and cooling down to the high 80s and low 90s next week. Total flows to the Feather River are 1,250 cfs cubic feet per second (cfs) for meeting downstream water quality and flow requirements. Flow in the low flow channel, through the City of Oroville, is 650 cfs and flow through the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet is 600 cfs. Total releases to the Feather River are assessed daily. The public can track precipitation, snow, reservoir levels, and more at the California Data Exchange Center at www.cdec.water.ca.gov. Lake Oroville is identified as “ORO”. All data as of midnight 8/26/2021 ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.  August 13, 2021 Cold Water Temperatures Current releases to the Feather River from Oroville Dam’s River Valve Outlet System (RVOS), which draws water from the deepest part of Lake Oroville, has resulted in cold water temperatures in the Feather River and the Thermalito Diversion Pool, Forebay, and Afterbay. Water temperatures are ranging between 48 and 58 degrees. Persons recreating on the Feather River and other waterbodies this summer are advised to wear life jackets. Entering cold water on hot summer days, called ‘cold water shock’, can cause breathing difficulties as well as changes in heart rate and blood pressure. Unplanned immersion, such as from a boat, kayak, or raft, or from jumping into the water from a beach, can be life-threatening, especially without a life jacket to help you stay afloat. Find cold-water safety tips at the National Weather Service’s Safety webpage. Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission Public Meeting The California Natural Resources Agency is hosting its eighth Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission meeting on August 27, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The public meeting will be held online and will include presentations and public comment. The Commission will receive an overview of major projects and maintenance plans at the Oroville Dam facilities and will hear from a representative from the State Water Contractors. The Citizens Advisory Commission is a forum to provide public feedback from the communities surrounding Oroville Dam. For information on how to join the virtual meeting, visit https://bit.ly/OrovilleCAC. Lake Oroville Historic Water Levels Climate change-induced early warm temperatures and extremely dry soils dramatically reduced expected runoff into rivers and reservoirs this spring. Combined with the past two years being the driest two-year period since 1976-1977, water levels at Lake Oroville reached historic lows this past week, falling below the previous low water elevation of 645 feet set in September 1977. The Lake Oroville Storage Forecast Chart can be found on the State Water Project Operations and Maintenance website.  Hyatt Powerplant On August 5, DWR State Water Project operations managers took the Hyatt Powerplant at Lake Oroville offline due to falling lake levels. This is the first time Hyatt Powerplant has gone offline as a result of low lake levels. However, DWR anticipated this moment, and the state has planned for its loss in both water and grid management. DWR has been in regular communication about the status of Hyatt Powerplant with the California Independent Service Operator (CAISO) and the California Energy Commission and steps have been taken in anticipation of the loss of power generation. DWR will continue to focus on reservoir operations and water storage management at Lake Oroville to preserve as much water in storage as possible. DWR will use the River Valve Outlet System to release some water from the base of Oroville Dam to maintain river temperature requirements and outflows to the Feather River. Photo: Hyatt Powerplant at Oroville Dam  Boating at Oroville Launching of trailered boats at Lake Oroville’s temporary single-lane boat ramp at the Spillway closed August 6 due to unsafe conditions. Hand launching of small boats such as canoes or kayaks is permitted. As lake levels drop, the condition of the ramp will continue to be reassessed for future use. Both the Lime Saddle and Bidwell Canyon marinas remain open from 8 a.m. until sundown with shuttle service and boat rentals available. State Parks has issued an order for the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) that boating access on Lake Oroville is not permitted starting one-half hour after sunset and ending one-half hour before sunrise due to navigational hazards. Houseboats and vessels remaining on the water must be on their mooring ball or in a slip during hours of lake closure. Additional information can be obtained by calling State Parks at (530) 538-2200. Boaters are reminded that low lake levels bring new boating hazards, including tree stumps and snags, and newly emerging outcrops. Power boats are allowed on the Thermalito South Forebay as well as the Thermalito Afterbay. A 5-miles per hour speed limit for all boats is enforced on the Afterbay north of the Highway 162 bridge and near the brood ponds on the east side of the reservoir. No motorized boating is allowed in the Thermalito North Forebay. The Monument Hill facility at Thermalito Afterbay provides boat ramp access, restrooms, a picnic area, and a swim beach. The Thermalito South Forebay facility has a two-lane boat ramp, parking, restroom, picnic tables, BBQs, shade trees, and a fish cleaning station. Photo: Gravel, single-lane boat ramp at the Spillway Boat Ramp Area  Oroville Recreation Visitors to the Thermalito North Forebay will find a full CA Parks facility with restrooms, picnic areas, a swim beach, and the Forebay Aquatic Center with kayaks, paddle boards, and other watercraft available for rent. Numerous Day Use Area (DUA) facilities with picnic tables and restrooms at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) are open 8 a.m. to sunset. Bidwell, Lime Saddle, and Loafer Creek Recreation Areas are open 24 hours. The Oroville Dam Crest Road across Oroville Dam is available 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily and open to pedestrians and bicyclists 24-hours a day. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center anticipates re-opening later this summer. Visit the California Parks LOSRA webpage for current information on facility status and campground reservations. An interactive map of recreation facilities in DWR’s Oroville-Thermalito Complex is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. Information about the 11,000-acre Oroville Wildlife Area is available on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage. And don’t forget to pick up the new Lake Oroville Trails map now available at many Oroville locations including LOSRA kiosks, Oroville Wildlife Area office on Oro Dam Boulevard West, the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Feather River Recreation and Parks District. Over 97 miles of trails maintained by State Parks and DWR are included. Photo: Mountain biking on Brad Freeman Trail near the Spillway (Spring 2021)  Blue Green Algae Monitoring
DWR environmental scientists regularly monitor for blue-green algae and their toxins during the summer months. There are currently no harmful algal bloom (HAB) advisories for Lake Oroville, the Thermalito Forebay, or the Thermalito Afterbay. Water samples are taken at various locations regularly from Memorial Day through Labor Day. To learn more about HABs, or to report a HAB visit the Water Board’s website. Photo: Algal bloom on Lake Oroville's Middle Fork in June 2020 Drought Information DWR has created a “Drought” webpage where definitions, historical trends, current information, and maps of California’s water systems can be found. Links to resources, DWR activities, research, and data are available. Read about how heatwaves are impacting drought conditions on the DWR Updates webpage. The State of California recently launched a website drought.ca.gov. This website will serve as the State’s primary location for public drought news and information. DWR is encouraging water conservation efforts by all Californians. Find out ways you can help by visiting the “Save Our Water” website. Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 636 feet elevation and storage is about 832-thousand acre-feet which is 24 percent of its total capacity and 34 percent of historical average. Currently, in the Northern Sierra Basin, snowpack is also below average at five percent of normal. Warm temperatures ranging from the low to mid-100s to high 90s are forecasted this weekend through next week. Total flow to the Feather River is currently at 1,750 cfs cubic feet per second (cfs) for meeting downstream water quality and flow requirements. Flow in the low flow channel, through the City of Oroville, is 650 cfs and flow through the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet is 1,150 cfs. Total releases to the Feather River are assessed daily. Flows through the City of Oroville through the low flow channel may fluctuate throughout the week for fisheries purposes. Currently, these flow patterns will hold through the weekend. 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 8/12/2021 ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.  July 30, 2021 Lake Oroville Water Levels Climate change-induced early warm temperatures and extremely dry soils dramatically reduced expected runoff into rivers and reservoirs this spring. As a result, water levels at Lake Oroville are anticipated to reach historic lows this year. Water elevations as low as 620 feet above sea level are forecasted for late October - below the previous low water elevation of 645 feet set in September 1977. Decreasing lake levels are also anticipated to affect power generation at the Hyatt Powerplant if water drops below the elevation range required for safe operation. Even when hydropower is no longer generated at Hyatt, its river valve outlet system is able to provide outflows to the Feather River to supply local agriculture, fulfill in-stream requirements to benefit fish in the Feather River, and to meet Bay-Delta water quality and flow requirements. Drought Information DWR has created a “Drought” webpage where definitions, historical trends, current information, and maps of California’s water systems can be found. Links to resources, DWR activities, research, and data are available. Read about how heatwaves are impacting drought conditions on the DWR Updates webpage. The State of California recently launched a website drought.ca.gov. This website will serve as the State’s primary location for public drought news and information. DWR is encouraging water conservation efforts by all Californians. Find out ways you can help by visiting the “Save Our Water” website. Boating at Oroville All paved boat ramps on Lake Oroville are now closed due to low lake levels. The single-lane, gravel ramp at Bidwell Canyon has also closed. A gravel, single-lane boat ramp at the Spillway is open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. – gates to (and from) the Spillway Boat Ramp area close at 11 p.m. This auxiliary ramp is gravel on dirt which becomes slippery when wet, especially during times of heavy usage. To maintain the integrity of the ramp, drivers are encouraged to avoid tire spin by placing vehicles in 4-wheel drive mode and accelerating slowly when exiting the ramp, with or without a loaded trailer. Both the Lime Saddle and Bidwell Canyon marinas remain open from 8 a.m. until sundown with shuttle service and boat rentals available. Power boats are allowed on the Thermalito South Forebay as well as the Thermalito Afterbay. A 5-miles per hour speed limit for all boats is enforced on the Afterbay north of the Highway 162 bridge and near the brood ponds on the east side of the reservoir. No motorized boating is allowed in the Thermalito North Forebay. The Monument Hill facility at Thermalito Afterbay provides boat ramp access, restrooms, a picnic area, and a swim beach. The Thermalito South Forebay facility has a two-lane boat ramp, parking, restroom, picnic tables, BBQs, shade trees, and a fish cleaning station. Photo: Gravel, single-lane boat ramp at the Spillway Boat Ramp Area  New Bald Eagles at Lake Oroville Environmental scientists with the Department of Water Resources (DWR) report they have observed four of the seven bald eagle pairs around Lake Oroville successfully raise seven eaglets this spring. The young eagles fledged - grown flight feathers – and have left their nests to find new habitat of their own. Lake Oroville and the Feather River area provide ideal habitat for bald eagles. Fish are one of the eagle’s 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 for the nesting pairs as well as other bald eagles that migrate to and through the area during the winter months. Protecting the area’s year-round bald eagle population living in the Department’s Oroville-Thermalito Complex 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, as well as being listed as a ‘threatened’ species by Congress. DWR’s scientists monitor for and mitigate against threats such as public intrusions, habitat loss, or other impacts to the eagle’s nesting areas. The area has both resident bald eagles as well as eagles who migrate through each year. Photo: Bald eagle watching over nest with two fledglings  Oroville Recreation Visitors to the Thermalito North Forebay will find a full CA Parks facility with restrooms, picnic areas, a swim beach, and the Forebay Aquatic Center with kayaks, paddle boards, and other watercraft available for rent. Numerous Day Use Area (DUA) facilities with picnic tables and restrooms at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) are open 8 a.m. to sunset. Bidwell, Lime Saddle, and Loafer Creek Recreation Areas are open 24 hours. The Oroville Dam Crest Road across Oroville Dam is available 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily and open to pedestrians and bicyclists 24-hours a day. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center anticipates re-opening later this summer. Visit the California Parks LOSRA webpage for current information on facility status and campground reservations. An interactive map of recreation facilities in DWR’s Oroville-Thermalito Complex is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. Information about the 11,000-acre Oroville Wildlife Area is available on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage. Photo: Loafer Creek Recreation Area's equestrian group campground Trails Map A map of the trails maintained by DWR, CA Parks, and CDFW is now available at many Oroville locations including LOSRA kiosks, Oroville Wildlife Area office on Oro Dam Boulevard West, the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Feather River Recreation and Parks District. The map, which folds to pocket size, provides information on permitted trail uses, elevation changes, trail length, and locations of more than 97 miles of trails around Lake Oroville, along the Feather River, Thermalito Forebays and Afterbay, and the Oroville Wildlife Area. Equestrians, bicyclists, and hikers are encouraged to take advantage of this new resource.  Blue Green Algae Monitoring
DWR environmental scientists regularly monitor for blue-green algae and their toxins during the summer months. There are currently no harmful algal bloom (HAB) advisories for Lake Oroville, the Thermalito Forebay, or the Thermalito Afterbay. Water samples are taken at various locations regularly from Memorial Day through Labor Day and sent to a lab for toxin analysis. If elevated levels of cyanobacteria toxins are found while testing, DWR staff will work with California’s Regional Water Quality Control Board and recreation area managers to notify the public and post advisory signs at affected waterbodies. To learn more about HABs, or to report a HAB visit the Water Board’s website. Photo: Algal bloom on Lake Oroville's Middle Fork in June 2020 Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 648 feet elevation and storage is about 902,040 acre-feet which is 25 percent of its total capacity and 35 percent of historical average. Currently, in the Northern Sierra Basin, snowpack is also below average at five percent of normal. Warm temperatures ranging from the high 90s to the low 100s are forecasted this weekend through next week. Total flow to the Feather River is currently at 2,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) for meeting downstream water quality and flow requirements. Flow in the low flow channel, through the City of Oroville, is 1,250 cfs and flow through the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet is 750 cfs. Total releases to the Feather River are assessed daily. Flows through the City of Oroville through the low flow channel may fluctuate throughout the week for fisheries purposes. Currently, these flow patterns will hold through the weekend. To conserve storage, releases to the Feather River have been reduced by 1,000 cfs over past week and conditions are assessed daily for opportunities for further reductions. Lake Oroville storage is projected to fall below the historical low in the coming days. The historical low was reached on September 7, 1977, at 882 TAF (total acre feet) and 645 feet in elevation. 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 7/29/2021 ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.  July 23, 2021 Drought Information California is no stranger to drought; it is a recurring feature of our climate. Lake Oroville’s low lake levels are a reminder of this cycle of dry and wet years. This year’s drought conditions are being felt across the western United States, with many areas, including California’s Central Valley, identified as being in “extreme drought” - the highest category of drought conditions. DWR has created a “Drought” webpage where definitions, historical trends, current information, and maps of California’s water systems can be found. Links to resources, DWR activities, research, and data are available. Read about how heatwaves are impacting drought conditions on the DWR Updates webpage. The State of California recently launched a website drought.ca.gov. This website will serve as the State’s primary location for public drought news and information. DWR is encouraging water conservation efforts by all Californians. Find out ways you can help by visiting the “Save Our Water” website. New Bald Eagles at Lake Oroville Environmental scientists with the Department of Water Resources (DWR) report they have observed four of the seven bald eagle pairs around Lake Oroville successfully raise seven eaglets this spring. The young eagles have fledged – grown flight feathers and become strong enough to attempt flight – and have been observed taking practice flights around their nests. Lake Oroville and the Feather River area provide ideal habitat for bald eagles. Fish are one of the eagle’s 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 for the nesting pairs as well as other bald eagles that migrate to and through the area during the winter months. Protecting the area’s year-round bald eagle population living in the Department’s Oroville-Thermalito Complex 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, as well as being listed as a ‘threatened’ species by Congress. DWR’s scientists monitor for and mitigate against threats such as public intrusions, habitat loss, or other impacts to the eagle’s nesting areas. The area has both resident bald eagles as well as eagles who migrate through each year. Boating at Oroville All paved boat ramps on Lake Oroville are now closed due to low lake levels. A single-lane, gravel ramp adjacent to the Bidwell Canyon Stage III ramp is available for boat launching with parking only on the concrete Stage III or Stage II parking lots. Closure of this access may occur at any time as low lake levels and undeveloped site conditions could prevent safe launching of vessels. 4WD vehicles are highly recommended – please use at your own risk. Boat launching and vehicle traffic outside of the gravel path, designated by the traffic cones, is prohibited and may result in immediate closure of the facility. Additionally, the gravel, single-lane boat ramp at the Spillway is open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. – gates to (and from) the Spillway Boat Ramp area close at 11 p.m. Both of these auxiliary ramps are gravel on dirt which becomes slippery when wet, especially during times of heavy usage. To maintain the integrity of the ramp, drivers are encouraged to avoid tire spin by engaging vehicles in 4-wheel drive and accelerating slowly when exiting the ramp, with or without a loaded trailer. Both the Lime Saddle and Bidwell Canyon marinas remain open from 8 a.m. until sundown with shuttle service and boat rentals available. Power boats are allowed on the Thermalito South Forebay as well as the Thermalito Afterbay. A 5-miles per hour speed limit for all boats is enforced on the Afterbay north of the Highway 162 bridge and near the brood ponds on the east side of the reservoir. No motorized boating is allowed in the Thermalito North Forebay. The Monument Hill facility at Thermalito Afterbay provides boat ramp access, restrooms, a picnic area, and a swim beach. The Thermalito South Forebay facility has a two-lane boat ramp, parking, restroom, picnic tables, BBQs, shade trees, and a fish cleaning station.  Oroville Recreation Visitors to the Thermalito North Forebay will find a full CA Parks facility with restrooms, picnic areas, a swim beach, and the Forebay Aquatic Center with kayaks, paddle boards, and other watercraft available for rent. Numerous Day Use Area (DUA) facilities with picnic tables and restrooms at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) are open 8 a.m. to sunset. Bidwell, Lime Saddle, and Loafer Creek Recreation Areas are open 24 hours. The Oroville Dam Crest Road across Oroville Dam is available 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily and open to pedestrians and bicyclists 24-hours a day. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center anticipates re-opening later this summer. Visit the California Parks LOSRA webpage for current information on facility status and campground reservations. An interactive map of recreation facilities in DWR’s Oroville-Thermalito Complex is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. Information about the 11,000-acre Oroville Wildlife Area is available on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage. Trails Map A map of the trails maintained by DWR, CA Parks, and CDFW is now available at many Oroville locations including LOSRA kiosks, Oroville Wildlife Area office on Oro Dam Boulevard West, the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Feather River Recreation and Parks District. The map, which folds to pocket size, provides information on permitted trail uses, elevation changes, trail length, and locations of more than 97 miles of trails around Lake Oroville, along the Feather River, Thermalito Forebays and Afterbay, and the Oroville Wildlife Area. Equestrians, bicyclists, and hikers are encouraged to take advantage of this new resource.  Grebes Nest Receive Help from DWR Western and Clark’s grebes, with their distinctive red eyes, graceful necks and long yellow bills, have returned to the Thermalito Afterbay for their nesting season. The shallow nature of the Afterbay is perfect for these two species of grebes who, along with only a few other aquatic bird species, actually nest on the water. DWR voluntarily restricts the elevation of the Thermalito Afterbay because significant decreases in reservoir elevation could strand the nests out of the water or submerge them if elevations increase. Find more information about the grebes at the DWR Updates webpage. Photos can be found on DWR’s Pixel webpage – enter Grebes in the search bar after creating a user name and password to log in.  Blue Green Algae Monitoring
DWR environmental scientists regularly monitor for blue-green algae and their toxins during the summer months. There are currently no harmful algal bloom (HAB) advisories for Lake Oroville, the Thermalito Forebay, or the Thermalito Afterbay. Water samples are taken at various locations regularly from Memorial Day through Labor Day and sent to a lab for toxin analysis. If elevated levels of cyanobacteria toxins are found while testing, DWR staff will work with California’s Regional Water Quality Control Board and recreation area managers to notify the public and post advisory signs at affected waterbodies. To learn more about HABs, or to report a HAB visit the Water Board’s website. Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 655 feet elevation and storage is about 944,000 acre-feet which is 27 percent of its total capacity and 35 percent of historical average. Currently, in the Northern Sierra Basin, snowpack is also below average at five percent of normal. Warm temperatures ranging from the high-90s to the mid-100s are forecasted this weekend through next week. Total flow to the Feather River is currently at 2,750 cubic feet per second (cfs) for meeting downstream water quality and flow requirements. Flow in the low flow channel, through the City of Oroville, is 2,650 cfs and flow through the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet is 100 cfs. Total releases to the Feather River are assessed daily. Flows through the City of Oroville through the low flow channel may fluctuate throughout the week for fisheries purposes. 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 7/22/2021 ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.  July 16, 2021 Boating at Oroville The lowest paved Bidwell Canyon Stage III Boat Ramp is closed due to low lake levels. A single-lane, gravel ramp adjacent to the Stage III ramp is available for boat launching with parking only on the concrete Stage III or Stage II parking lots. This single-lane gravel access located at Bidwell Canyon will be available for public boat launching until further notice. Closure of this access may occur at any time as low lake levels and undeveloped site conditions could prevent safe launching of vessels. 4WD vehicles are highly recommended – please use at your own risk. Additionally, the gravel, single-lane boat ramp at the Spillway is open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. – gates to (and from) the Spillway Boat Ramp area close at 11 p.m. Both of these auxiliary ramps are gravel on dirt which becomes slippery when wet, especially during times of heavy usage. To maintain the integrity of the ramp, drivers are encouraged to avoid tire spin by engaging vehicles in 4-wheel drive and accelerating slowly when exiting the ramp, with or without a loaded trailer. Both the Lime Saddle and Bidwell Canyon marinas remain open from 8 a.m. until sundown with shuttle service and boat rentals available. Power boats are allowed on the Thermalito South Forebay as well as the Thermalito Afterbay. A 5-miles per hour speed limit for all boats is enforced on the Afterbay north of the Highway 162 bridge and near the brood ponds on the east side of the reservoir. No motorized boating is allowed in the Thermalito North Forebay. The Monument Hill facility at Thermalito Afterbay provides boat ramp access, restrooms, a picnic area, and a swim beach. The Thermalito South Forebay facility has a two-lane boat ramp, parking, restroom, picnic tables, BBQs, shade trees, and a fish cleaning station. Floating Campsites are closed due limited launching access. Oroville Recreation Visitors to the Thermalito North Forebay will find a full CA Parks facility with restrooms, picnic areas, a swim beach, and the Forebay Aquatic Center with kayaks, paddle boards, and other watercraft available for rent. Numerous Day Use Area (DUA) facilities with picnic tables and restrooms at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) are open 8 a.m. to sunset. Bidwell, Lime Saddle, and Loafer Creek Recreation Areas are open 24 hours. The Oroville Dam Crest Road across Oroville Dam is available 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily and open to pedestrians and bicyclists 24-hours a day. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center anticipates re-opening later this summer. Visit the California Parks LOSRA webpage for current information on facility status and campground reservations. An interactive map of recreation facilities in DWR’s Oroville-Thermalito Complex is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. Information about the 11,000-acre Oroville Wildlife Area is available on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage Trails Map A map of the trails maintained by DWR, CA Parks, and CA DFW is now available at many Oroville locations including LOSRA kiosks, Oroville Wildlife Area office on Oro Dam Boulevard West, the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Feather River Recreation and Parks District. The map is also available online at ExploreButteCounty.com and on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. The map, which folds to pocket size, provides information on permitted trail uses, elevation changes, trail length, and locations of more than 97 miles of trails around Lake Oroville, along the Feather River, Thermalito Forebays and Afterbay, and the Oroville Wildlife Area. Equestrians, bicyclists, and hikers are encouraged to take advantage of this new resource. A full list of locations is available on the Lake Oroville Recreation webpage.  Grebes Nest Receive Help from DWR Western and Clark’s grebes, with their distinctive red eyes, graceful necks and long yellow bills, have returned to the Thermalito Afterbay for their nesting season. The shallow nature of the Afterbay is perfect for these two species of grebes who, along with only a few other aquatic bird species, actually nest on the water. DWR voluntarily restricts the elevation of the Thermalito Afterbay because significant decreases in reservoir elevation could strand the nests out of the water or submerge them if elevations increase. Find more information about the grebes at the DWR Updates webpage. Photos can be found on DWR’s Pixel webpage – enter Grebes in the search bar after creating a user name and password to log in. Drought Information California is no stranger to drought; it is a recurring feature of our climate. Lake Oroville’s low lake levels are a reminder of this cycle of dry and wet years. This year’s drought conditions are being felt across the western United States, with many areas, including California’s Central Valley, identified as being in “extreme drought” - the highest category of drought conditions. DWR has created a “Drought” webpage where definitions, historical trends, current information, and maps of California’s water systems can be found. Links to resources, DWR activities, research, and data are available. Read about how heatwaves are impacting drought conditions on the DWR Updates webpage. The State of California recently launched a new website drought.ca.gov. This website will serve as the State’s primary location for public drought news and information. DWR is encouraging water conservation efforts by all Californians. Find out ways you can help by visiting the “Save Our Water” website.  Blue Green Algae Monitoring
DWR environmental scientists regularly monitor for blue-green algae and their toxins during the summer months. There are currently no harmful algal bloom (HAB) advisories for Lake Oroville, the Thermalito Forebay, or the Thermalito Afterbay. Water samples are taken at various locations regularly from Memorial Day through Labor Day and sent to a lab for toxin analysis. If elevated levels of cyanobacteria toxins are found while testing, DWR staff will work with California’s Regional Water Quality Control Board and recreation area managers to notify the public and post advisory signs at affected waterbodies. To learn more about HABs, or to report a HAB visit the Water Board’s website Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 665 feet elevation and storage is about 1 million acre-feet -- 27 percent full and 38 percent of historical average. Total flow to the Feather River is currently at 3,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) for meeting downstream water quality and flow requirements. Flow down the low flow channel, through the City of Oroville, is 2,550 cfs and flow through the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet is 450 cfs. Flows through the low flow channel are likely to be adjusted through the week of 7/19 for fisheries purposes. Currently, these flow patterns will hold through the weekend. Current releases are re-assessed on a daily basis. 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 7/15/2021 ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.  July 9, 2021 Water Quality Working Group In November and December 2020, a multi-agency task force comprised of the State and Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Boards, Butte County Department of Public Works, California Department of Water Resources (DWR), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Governor’s Office of Emergency Services came together as the ‘Watershed Working Group’ to address water quality concerns in the North Complex burn area and downstream. Widespread testing of surface waters throughout the burn scar in Butte and Plumas counties has been completed. Sampling results over the last few months have revealed that while contaminant levels were elevated in some instances, they were lower than anticipated and did not adversely impact drinking water treatment facilities or the quality of drinking water they deliver to their communities. The working group’s agencies will now transition to routine water quality monitoring, which includes monitoring for issues such as Harmful Algal Blooms. Building on the success of the collaboration, this working group will continue to meet quarterly to discuss watershed health and be ready for the upcoming fire season. Read the news release for more information. Saddle Dam Maintenance Lake Oroville State Recreation Area’s Saddle Dam trailhead facility will experience temporary closures from July 13 to July 16. Maintenance work and installation of erosion control measures will require closure of the main and/or auxiliary parking lots as well as the trail across the top of the dam. Trail users are advised to use alternate trailheads at Loafer Creek Recreation Area, Oroville Dam’s Upper Overlook, or the new parking area near the Hyatt Powerplant on Oro Dam Boulevard East. Oroville Recreation The Bidwell Canyon Boat Ramp remains open; however, this ramp is expected to be closed toward the end of the week of July 12, dependent on lake levels. Additionally, the gravel, single-lane boat ramp at the Spillway is open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. – gates to (and from) the Spillway Boat Ramp area close at 11 p.m. We ask that all people using the gravel ramp engage their vehicle in 4-wheel drive, so they do not spin their tires and damage the ramp. Boat ramp information can be obtained by calling the California Department of Parks and Recreation (CA Parks) at (530) 538-2200 or visiting the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) website at www.parks.ca.gov/LakeOroville. Both the Lime Saddle and Bidwell Canyon marinas will remain open 8 a.m. until sundown. Visitors to the Thermalito North Forebay will find a full CA Parks facility with restrooms, picnic areas, a swim beach, and the Forebay Aquatic Center with kayaks, paddle boards, and other watercraft available for rent. The Monument Hill facility at the Thermalito Afterbay and the Thermalito South Forebay facility offer boat ramp access, restrooms, picnic areas, and a swim beach at Monument Hill. Power boats are allowed on the Thermalito South Forebay as well as the Thermalito Afterbay. A 5-miles per hour speed limit for all boats is enforced on the Afterbay north of the Highway 162 bridge and near the brood ponds on the east side of the reservoir. More than 97 miles of trails and numerous Day Use Area (DUA) facilities with picnic tables and restrooms at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) are open 8 a.m. to sunset. Bidwell, Lime Saddle, and Loafer Creek Recreation Areas are open 24 hours. Summer access hours at the Spillway Boat Ramp are 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily - gates close at 11 p.m. The Oroville Dam Crest Road across Oroville Dam is available 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily and open to pedestrians and bicyclists 24-hours a day. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center anticipates re-opening later this summer. Visit the California Parks LOSRA webpage for current information on facility status and campground reservations. An interactive map of recreation facilities in DWR’s Oroville-Thermalito Complex is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. Information about the 11,000-acre Oroville Wildlife Area is available on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage. Drought Information California is no stranger to drought; it is a recurring feature of our climate. Lake Oroville’s low lake levels are a reminder of this cycle of dry and wet years. This year’s drought conditions are being felt across the western United States, with many areas, including California’s Central Valley, identified as being in “extreme drought” - the highest category of drought conditions. DWR has created a “Drought” webpage where definitions, historical trends, current information, and maps of California’s water systems can be found. Links to resources, DWR activities, research, and data are available. Read about how heatwaves are impacting drought conditions on the DWR Updates webpage. The State of California recently launched a new website drought.ca.gov. This website will serve as the State’s primary location for public drought news and information. DWR is encouraging water conservation efforts by all Californians. Find out ways you can help by visiting the “Save Our Water” website.  Blue Green Algae Monitoring
DWR environmental scientists regularly monitor for blue-green algae and their toxins during the summer months. There are currently no harmful algal bloom (HAB) advisories for Lake Oroville, the Thermalito Forebay, or the Thermalito Afterbay. Water samples are taken at various locations regularly from Memorial Day through Labor Day and sent to a lab for toxin analysis. If elevated levels of cyanobacteria toxins are found while testing, DWR staff will work with California’s Regional Water Quality Control Board and recreation area managers to notify the public and post advisory signs at affected waterbodies. To learn more about HABs, or to report a HAB visit the Water Board’s website. Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 673 feet elevation and storage is about 1.063 million acre-feet -- 30 percent full and 38 percent of historical average. Currently, in the Northern Sierra Basin, snowpack is also below average at five percent of normal. An excessive heat warning is in effect from Friday to Monday. Temperatures will range between 100 to 115 degrees through this weekend into the early part of the week and high 90s for the rest of the week. Total flow to the Feather River is currently at 3,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) for meeting downstream water quality and flow requirements. Flow down the low flow channel, through the City of Oroville, is 1,550 cfs and flow through the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet is 1,450 cfs. Currently, these flow patterns will hold through the weekend. Current releases are re-assessed on a daily basis. 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”. ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.  July 2, 2021 Fourth of July Fireworks at Oroville The Oroville Rotary Club will be holding a Fourth of July celebration at the Oroville Municipal Airport on Independence Day. While there will not be public access to the airport facility for the fireworks show, public areas around the airport will be accessible by personal vehicle to tailgate during the event. The nearby Clay Pit State Vehicle Recreation Area will be closed for safety reasons. A fly-in event in the morning at the airport will also take place. The fireworks show will begin 30 minutes after sunset. Information on suggested viewing locations and other event information is available on the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce website at: https://www.visitoroville.com/oroville-fireworks.html. Photo: On the North Forebay in Oroville waiting for fireworks to start. Oroville Recreation The Bidwell Canyon Boat Ramp will be open over the Fourth of July holiday weekend with future status dependent on lake levels. The gravel, single-lane, 4-wheel drive only, boat ramp at the Spillway opens this afternoon, July 2. Boat ramp information can be obtained by calling the California Department of Parks and Recreation (CA Parks) at (530) 538-2200 or visiting the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) website at www.parks.ca.gov/LakeOroville. Both the Lime Saddle and Bidwell Canyon marinas will remain open 8 a.m. until sundown. Summer access hours of 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily is now in effect for the Spillway Boat Ramp Area - gates close at 11 p.m. The Oroville Dam Crest Road across Oroville Dam is available 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily and open to pedestrians and bicyclists 24-hours a day. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center anticipates re-opening later this summer. Visitors to the Thermalito North Forebay will find a full CA Parks facility with restrooms, picnic areas, a swim beach, and the Forebay Aquatic Center with kayaks, paddle boards, and other watercraft available for rent. The Monument Hill facility at the Thermalito Afterbay also provides boat ramp access, restrooms, a picnic area, and a swim beach. Visit the California Parks LOSRA webpage for current information on facility status and campground reservations. An interactive map of recreation facilities in DWR’s Oroville-Thermalito Complex is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage at https://water.ca.gov/What-We-Do/Recreation/Lake-Oroville-Recreation. Information about the 11,000-acre Oroville Wildlife Area is available on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Oroville-WA. Photo: Camping at the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area Lake Oroville Visitor Center CA Parks and DWR have issued a news release announcing both will be offering expanded educational opportunities at the Lake Oroville Visitor Center and State Recreation Area in the coming months. DWR is exclusively managing the Visitor Center as CA Parks transitions its educational programming away from the Visitor Center to various LOSRA locations as it further expands outdoor educational programs to educate visitors and provide high-quality outdoor recreation opportunities. DWR is recruiting additional staff to support operations and to assist with enhanced educational opportunities and informational displays at the Visitor Center that highlight California’s water delivery system and the importance of water in our lives. The Visitor Center will reopen later this year.  Oroville Wildlife Area Habitat Project The sunflowers and safflowers planted this spring on 60 acres of the Oroville Wildlife Area (OWA) are growing taller. The nearly 12,000-acre 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 the Department of Water Resources (DWR), the OWA also includes DWR’s Thermalito Afterbay reservoir, a prime habitat for migrating waterfowl and several endangered species. CDFW farms more than 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 public photo sharing site by using the search term “Oroville Wildlife Area Planting”. Photo: Sunflowers grow in the Oroville Wildlife Area to provide forage and habitat for wildlife and birds. Drought Information California is no stranger to drought; it is a recurring feature of our climate. Lake Oroville’s low lake levels are a reminder of this cycle of dry and wet years. This year’s drought conditions are being felt across the western United States, with many areas, including California’s Central Valley, identified as being in “extreme drought” - the highest category of drought conditions. DWR has created a “Drought” webpage where definitions, historical trends, current information, and maps of California’s water systems can be found. Links to resources, DWR activities, research, and data are available. Read about how heatwaves are impacting drought conditions on the DWR Updates webpage. DWR is encouraging water conservation efforts by all Californians. Find out ways you can help by visiting the “Save Our Water” website.  Blue Green Algae Monitoring
DWR environmental scientists regularly monitor for blue-green algae and their toxins during the summer months. There are currently no harmful algal bloom (HAB) advisories for Lake Oroville, the Thermalito Forebay, or the Thermalito Afterbay. Water samples are taken at various locations regularly from Memorial Day through Labor Day and sent to a lab for toxin analysis. If elevated levels of cyanobacteria toxins are found while testing, DWR staff will work with California’s Regional Water Quality Control Board and recreation area managers to notify the public and post advisory signs at affected waterbodies. To learn more about HABs, or to report a HAB visit the Water Board’s website. Photo: Algal bloom on Lake Oroville's West Branch Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 681 feet elevation and storage is about 1.12 million acre-feet -- 32 percent full and 39 percent of historical average. Currently, in the Northern Sierra Basin, snowpack is also below average at five percent of normal. Warm temperatures in the ranging in the high 90s and low 100s continue this weekend through next week. Total flow to the Feather River is currently at 3,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) for meeting downstream water quality and flow requirements. Flow down the low flow channel, through the City of Oroville, is 1,550 cfs and flow through the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet is 1,450 cfs. Currently, these flow patterns will hold through the weekend. Current releases are re-assessed on a daily basis. 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 7/1/2021 ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.  June 25, 2021 Oroville Wildlife Area Habitat Project The sunflowers and safflowers planted this spring on 60 acres of the Oroville Wildlife Area (OWA) are growing taller. The nearly 12,000-acre 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 the Department of Water Resources (DWR), the OWA also includes DWR’s Thermalito Afterbay reservoir, a prime habitat for migrating waterfowl and several endangered species. CDFW farms more than 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 public photo sharing site by using the search term “Oroville Wildlife Area Planting”. Photo: Sunflowers grow in the Oroville Wildlife Area to provide forage and habitat for wildlife and birds. Drought Information California is no stranger to drought; it is a recurring feature of our climate. Lake Oroville’s low lake levels are a reminder of this cycle of dry and wet years. This year’s drought conditions are being felt across the western United States, with many areas, including California’s Central Valley, identified as being in “extreme drought” - the highest category of drought conditions. DWR has created a “Drought” webpage where definitions, historical trends, current information, and maps of California’s water systems can be found. Links to resources, DWR activities, research, and data are available. Read about how heatwaves are impacting drought conditions on the DWR Updates webpage. DWR is encouraging water conservation efforts by all Californians. Find out ways you can help by visiting the “Save Our Water” website.  Oroville Recreation Bidwell Canyon Boat Ramp is currently open with future status dependent on lake levels. Boat ramp information can be obtained by calling the California Department of Parks and Recreation (CA Parks) at (530) 538-2200 or visiting the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) website at www.parks.ca.gov/LakeOroville. Both the Lime Saddle and Bidwell Canyon marinas will remain open 8 a.m. until sundown. Visitors to the Thermalito North Forebay will find a full CA Parks facility with restrooms, picnic areas, a swim beach, and the Forebay Aquatic Center with kayaks, paddle boards, and other watercraft available for rent. The Monument Hill facility at the Thermalito Afterbay also provides boat ramp access, restrooms, a picnic area, and a swim beach. More than 97 miles of trails and numerous Day Use Area (DUA) facilities with picnic tables and restrooms at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) are open 8 a.m. to sunset. Bidwell, Lime Saddle, and Loafer Creek Recreation Areas are open 24 hours. Summer access hours of 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily is now in effect for the Spillway Boat Ramp Area - gates close at 11 p.m. Vehicle access to Oroville Dam Crest Road across Oroville Dam is available 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily and open to pedestrians and bicyclists 24-hours a day. 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. An interactive map of recreation facilities in DWR’s Oroville-Thermalito Complex is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. Information about the 11,000-acre Oroville Wildlife Area is available on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage. Photo: Swim beach at North Forebay Recreation Area  Grazing Goats Reduce Fire Risk
Hillsides along the Dan Beebe and Bidwell Canyon trails near Kelly Ridge look quite different after 1,600 goats and sheep from the Hanski Family Farms visited the area. The goat grazing project is part of DWR’s Fuel Load Management Plan, which helps reduce wildfire risk, increase public safety, and enhance forest health in areas around Lake Oroville within the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) project boundary. In partnership with Butte County Fire Safe Council, DWR utilized grazing as a sustainable method of fuel reduction on about 35 acres to help minimize the risk or lessen the spread of a wildfire. To learn more and see goat grazing in action, visit DWR’s YouTube channel for a video of the March 2021 Lakeland Blvd. goat grazing project. Photo: Grazed and un-grazed hillsides near Kelly Ridge Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 690 feet elevation and storage is about 1.18 million acre-feet -- 34 percent full and 41 percent of historical average. Currently, in the Northern Sierra Basin, snowpack is also below average at five percent of normal. An Excessive Heat Watch is in effect beginning this weekend (Saturday) through Wednesday in the Northern and Central Sacramento Valley. Temperatures are forecast to be over 100 degrees throughout the weekend and next week. Total flow to the Feather River is currently at 2,750 cubic feet per second (cfs) for meeting downstream water quality and flow requirements. Flow down the low flow channel, through the City of Oroville, is 2,150 cfs and flow through the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet is 600 cfs. Currently, these flow patterns will hold through the weekend. Plans to reduce flows in the low flow channel at a rate of 300 cfs per day to the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet will be scheduled until its desired level is reached. Current releases are re-assessed on a daily basis. 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 - 6/24/2021 ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.  June 18, 2021 Drought Information California is no stranger to drought; it is a recurring feature of our climate. Lake Oroville’s low lake levels are a reminder of this cycle of dry and wet years. This year’s drought conditions are being felt across the western United States, with many areas, including California’s Central Valley, identified as being in “extreme drought” - the highest category of drought conditions. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) has created a “Drought” webpage where definitions, historical trends, current information, and maps of California’s water systems can be found. Links to resources, DWR activities, research, and data are available. DWR is encouraging water conservation efforts by all Californians. Find out ways you can help by visiting the “Save Our Water” website. Lake Oroville Boat Ramp Status Bidwell Canyon Boat Ramp is currently open with future status dependent on lake levels. Boat ramp information can be obtained by calling the CA Department of Parks and Recreation (CA Parks) at (530) 538-2200 or visiting the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) website at www.parks.ca.gov/LakeOroville. Both the Lime Saddle and Bidwell Canyon marinas will remain open 8 a.m. until sundown. Oroville Recreation Visitors to the Thermalito North Forebay will find a full CA Parks facility with restrooms, picnic areas, a swim beach, and the Forebay Aquatic Center with kayaks, paddle boards, and other watercraft available for rent. The Monument Hill facility at the Thermalito Afterbay also provides boat ramp access, restrooms, picnic area, and a swim beach. More than 97 miles of trails and numerous Day Use Area (DUA) facilities with picnic tables and restrooms at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) are open 8 a.m. to sunset. Bidwell, Lime Saddle, and Loafer Creek Recreation Areas are open 24 hours. Summer access hours of 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily is now in effect for the Spillway Boat Ramp Area - gates close at 11 p.m. Vehicle access to Oroville Dam Crest Road across Oroville Dam is available 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Exercise enthusiasts can log a round-trip of just over two miles while they enjoy the spectacular views from Oroville Dam Crest Road across the top of the dam, which is open to walkers, joggers, and bicyclists 24-hours a day. Surrounded by trails, the Thermalito Diversion Pool is open for kayaking and other non-motorized boating, trailered boats are not permitted at this location. The Feather River Fish Hatchery’s viewing area and fish ladder are open to the public. 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. An interactive map of recreation facilities in DWR’s Oroville-Thermalito Complex is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. Information about the 11,000-acre Oroville Wildlife Area is available on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage. Photo: Swim beach at North Forebay Recreation Area Thermalito Afterbay Outlet Work Divers have nearly completed work on the first stage of a 3-year project to increase the operational reliability of the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet radial gates. The gates of the Outlet have been closed this past week to allow divers to perform underwater work. The Outlet’s required flows to the Feather River were routed to the river’s Low Flow Channel that runs from the Thermalito Diversion Dam through Oroville. As work is completed, the gates will be reopened, allowing river flows through the Low Flow Channel to gradually decrease during the week of June 21 as flows from the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet are restored. River users are always advised to be aware of currents and colder water temperatures.  Grazing Goats Reduce Fire Risk Over 1,500 goats and sheep are busy eating their way through dried grasses and brush in the Kelly Ridge area and along the Dan Beebe and Bidwell Canyon trails. DWR staff overseeing the project report the goats are making great progress in reducing overgrown vegetation in the 34-acre target area. The goats started grazing June 13 at Arroyo Drive and are moving south towards the Saddle Dam area. DWR in partnership with Butte County Fire Safe Council, contracted with Hanski Family Farms in Paradise to utilize grazing as a sustainable method of fuel reduction to help minimize the risk or lessen the spread of a wildfire. The goats and sheep will graze on dried grasses, leaves, invasive and non-invasive plants including poison oak and star thistle, and a variety of shrubs and trees. By standing on their hind legs, goats can reduce ladder fuels (overgrown vegetation that allows fire to climb from the forest floor into the taller shrubs and into the tree canopy) up to four feet high. Higher branches are being removed and placed on the ground for further grazing in order to increase fire protection. The grazing area will be cordoned off with an electric fence and monitored by herdsmen 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 Plan which helps reduce wildfire risk, increase public safety, and enhance forest health in areas around Lake Oroville within the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) project boundary. Approximately 34 acres will be grazed over the next couple weeks. To learn more and see goat grazing in action, visit DWR’s YouTube channel for a video of the March 2021 Lakeland Blvd. goat grazing project. Photo: Grazing goats feast on grass, shrubs and trees near Kelly Ridge  Blue Green Algae Monitoring
DWR environmental scientists regularly monitor for blue-green algae and their toxins during the summer months. There are currently no harmful algal bloom (HAB) advisories for Lake Oroville, the Thermalito Forebay, or the Thermalito Afterbay. Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) is a natural component of ecosystems. Under certain conditions, including warmer temperatures and increased nutrient loads, algae can grow rapidly causing “blooms.” Keep animals and children away from the water when a suspected harmful algal bloom (HAB) is present and report the possible HAB immediately. Water samples are taken at various locations regularly from Memorial Day through Labor Day and sent to a lab for toxin analysis. If elevated levels of cyanobacteria toxins are found while testing, DWR staff will work with California’s Regional Water Quality Control Board and recreation area managers to notify the public and post advisory signs at affected waterbodies. To learn more about HABs, or to report a HAB visit the Water Board’s website. Photo: Algal bloom on Lake Oroville's North Fork in June 2020 Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 698 feet elevation and storage is about 1.24 million acre-feet -- 35 percent full and 43 percent of historical average. Currently, in the Northern Sierra Basin, snowpack is also below average at five percent of normal. Excess heat warnings are in effect until Saturday night. Temperatures are forecast to be in the 100s over the weekend, in the 90s during the week, then increasing to be above 100 over the following next weekend. Total flow to the Feather River is currently at 2,750 cfs for meeting downstream water quality and flow requirements. Due to work being performed at the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet gates, all flow has been rerouted down the low flow channel, through the City of Oroville. Once the work is completed, flows will be rerouted at a rate of 300 cfs per day from the low flow channel to the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet until desired flows are reached. Current releases are re-assessed on a daily basis. 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 6/17/2021 ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.  June 11, 2021 Thermalito Afterbay Outlet Work A project to increase the operational reliability of the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet radial gates will require closure of the gates to allow divers to perform underwater work. Required flows to the Feather River will be routed to the river’s Low Flow Channel that runs from the Thermalito Diversion Dam through Oroville beginning on June 11. Flows will gradually increase from 950 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 2,550 cfs by June 15 resulting in swift water and an increase in river height of about one foot from the Thermalito Diversion Dam down to the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet. The gates will be closed until June 21 with river flows through the Low Flow Channel gradually decreasing the rest of that week as flows from the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet are restored. River users are always advised to be aware of currents and colder water temperatures. Lake Oroville Boat Ramp Status The Lime Saddle and Loafer Point boat ramps closed June 3. Although water may still cover the bottom of a boat ramp, there is not enough depth over the paved ramp to safely launch and trailer boats. Both the Lime Saddle and Bidwell Canyon marinas will remain open from 8 a.m. until sundown. The Spillway boat ramp will remain open for the weekend of June 12 to June 13 and is anticipated to close early next week. Bidwell Canyon is currently open with future status dependent on lake levels. Boat ramp information can be obtained by calling the CA Department of Parks and Recreation (CA Parks) at 530-538-2200 or visiting the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) website at www.parks.ca.gov/LakeOroville. Grazing Goats Reduce Fire Risk Over 1,500 bleating goats mixed with sheep may be heard by trail users and Kelly Ridge residents beginning Sunday, June 13 in the Kelly Ridge area. Grazing efforts will start at the Saddle Dam Recreation Area, move north along the Dan Beebe and Bidwell Canyon trails, and will finish near the Bidwell Canyon recreation area at Arroyo Drive. DWR in partnership with Butte County Fire Safe Council, has contracted with Hanski Family Farms in Paradise to utilize grazing as a sustainable method of fuel reduction to help minimize the risk or lessen the spread of a wildfire. The goats and sheep will graze on dried grasses, leaves, invasive and non-invasive plants including poison oak and star thistle, and a variety of shrubs and trees. By standing on their hind legs, goats can reduce ladder fuels (overgrown vegetation that allows fire to climb from the forest floor into the taller shrubs and into the tree canopy) up to four feet high. The grazing area will be cordoned off with an electric fence and monitored by herdsmen 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 Plan which helps reduce wildfire risk, increase public safety, and enhance forest health in areas around Lake Oroville within the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) project boundary. Approximately 34 acres will be grazed over the next couple weeks. To learn more and see goat grazing in action, visit DWR’s YouTube channel for a video of the March 2021 Lakeland Blvd. goat grazing project. Photo: Grazing goats feast on shrubs and trees at Lakeland Blvd. in April  Oroville Recreation More than 97 miles of trails and numerous Day Use Area (DUA) facilities with picnic tables and restrooms at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) are open 8 a.m. to sunset. Bidwell, Lime Saddle, and Loafer Creek recreation areas are open 24 hours. Summer access hours of 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily is now in effect for the Spillway Boat Ramp Area - gates close at 11 p.m. Vehicle access to Oroville Dam Crest Road across Oroville Dam is available 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Exercise enthusiasts can log a round-trip of just over two miles while they enjoy the spectacular views from Oroville Dam Crest Road across the top of the dam, which is open to walkers, joggers, and bicyclists 24-hours a day. Surrounded by trails, the Thermalito Diversion Pool is open for kayaking and other non-motorized boating. Visitors to the Thermalito North Forebay will find a full CA Parks facility with restrooms, picnic areas, a swim beach, and the Forebay Aquatic Center with kayaks, paddle boards, and other watercraft available for rent. The Monument Hill facility at the Thermalito Afterbay also provides boat ramp access, restrooms, picnic area, and a swim beach. The Feather River Fish Hatchery’s viewing area and fish ladder are open to the public. 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. An interactive map of recreation facilities in DWR’s Oroville-Thermalito Complex is available on DWR’s Lake Oroville Recreation webpage. Information about the 11,000-acre Oroville Wildlife Area is available on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife webpage. Photo: Hiking on trails near Thermalito Forebay  Thermalito Forebay Control Burn Successful A series of vegetation management control burns around the Thermalito Forebay was conducted by CAL FIRE/Butte County Fire Department on June 3 in cooperation with the Department of Water Resources (DWR) and CA Parks. A total of about 245 acres was successfully treated. The vegetation management control burns have multiple beneficial impacts grasslands around the Thermalito Forebay, including seasonal wetlands called vernal pools. Although vernal pools are only a small component of these grasslands, they support a high diversity of California native plants and animals, including rare and endangered species and species endemic to California (i.e., found nowhere else in the world). Fire from carefully controlled burns is the most powerful tool to combat invasive plants and dry invasive grass buildup called ‘thatch’ within these grasslands and vernal pools. The burns will also remove dangerous fire fuels from grassland adjacent to private property and near high-use areas. Photo: Control burn removes invasive plants and grasses near vernal pool area.  Blue Green Algae Monitoring
DWR environmental scientists regularly monitor for blue-green algae and their toxins during the summer months. There are currently no harmful algal blooms (HAB) advisories for Lake Oroville, the Thermalito Forebay, or the Thermalito Afterbay. Water samples are taken at various locations regularly from Memorial Day through Labor Day and sent to a lab for toxin analysis. Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) is a natural component of ecosystems. Under certain conditions, including warmer temperatures and increased nutrient loads, algae can grow rapidly causing “blooms.” Algal blooms sometimes produce toxins that can be harmful to people and animals. Keep animals and children away from the water when a suspected harmful algal bloom (HAB) is present and report the possible HAB immediately. If elevated levels of cyanobacteria toxins are found, DWR staff will work with California’s Regional Water Quality Control Board and recreation area managers to notify the public and post advisory signs at affected waterbodies. To learn more about HABs or to report a HAB visit the Water Board’s website. Photo: Algal bloom on Lake Oroville's West Branch in August 2020 Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 703 feet elevation and storage is about 1.28 million acre-feet -- 36 percent full and 43 percent of historical average. Currently, in the Northern Sierra Basin, snowpack is also below average at five percent of normal. Temperatures are forecast to be in the mid- to high-90s over the weekend increasing to near or above 100 towards the end of the week. On Monday, June 7, 2021, total flows to the Feather River were increased from 2,050 cfs to 2,550 cfs for downstream water quality and flow requirements. At this rate, flows down the low flow channel, through the City of Oroville are at 950 cfs and 1,600 cfs is being released from the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet (Outlet). Due to work at the Outlet, flows down the low flow channel will gradually increase to 2,550 beginning on June 11, reach 2,550 on June 15, and continue through June 21. Current releases are for meeting downstream water quality and flow requirements and are re-assessed on a daily basis. 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 6/10/2021 ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.  May 28, 2021 Oroville Recreation Visitors to Lake Oroville for the Memorial Day holiday will find the Lime Saddle, Bidwell Canyon Stage III, Spillway, and the newly opened Loafer Point Stage II boat ramps open for use. Although currently at just under half of the historical water storage average for this time of year, Lake Oroville still provides nearly 7,000 acres of water surface for fishing, water sports, and recreation. More than 97 miles of trails and numerous Day Use Area (DUA) facilities with picnic tables and restrooms at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA) are open 8 a.m. to sunset. Bidwell, Lime Saddle, and Loafer Creek recreation areas are open 24 hours. Summer access hours of 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily is now in effect for the Spillway Boat Ramp Area - gates close at 11 p.m. Vehicle access to Oroville Dam Crest Road across Oroville Dam is available 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Exercise enthusiasts can log a round-trip of just over two miles while they enjoy the spectacular views from Oroville Dam Crest Road across the top of the dam, which is open to walkers, joggers, and bicyclists 24-hours a day. Visitors can also go to the Thermalito North Forebay’s Forebay Aquatic Center to rent kayaks and paddle boards. Sandy beaches are available at North Forebay and the Thermalito Afterbay’s Monument Hill. Reservations for LOSRA campgrounds are available on the California Department of Parks and Recreation (CA Parks) website, including reservations for the Lake’s floating campgrounds. Lime Saddle group camping remains closed. 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. Photo: Enjoying the water at Lake Oroville Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission Public Meeting The California Natural Resources Agency held its seventh Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission (OCAC) meeting on Friday, May 28. The online public meeting included an update on dam safety and presentations on risk assessment. Members of the public also asked questions and gained information on these and other topics. The Citizens Advisory Commission is a forum for the community to provide feedback and ask questions. The meeting transcript and presentations will be available on the Commission’s website in the coming weeks. CAL FIRE Controlled Burn Planned at Thermalito Forebay In cooperation with the Department of Water Resources (DWR) and CA Parks, CAL FIRE/Butte County Fire Department plans to conduct a series of vegetation management (VMP) burns around the Thermalito Forebay during the first week of June, dependent on forecast weather conditions and fire personnel activity. The burns will be in areas near the Forebay Aquatic Center, Nelson Sports Complex, South Forebay near Grand Avenue, and near Wilbur Road and Tres Vias Road. The VMP controlled burns have multiple beneficial impacts for the natural environment and public safety. The targeted grasslands are home to many vernal pools that support a high diversity of plants and animals, including rare and endangered species and species endemic to California (i.e., found nowhere else in the world). Fire from carefully controlled burns is the most powerful tool to combat invasive plants and their seeds such as dry invasive grass buildup called ‘thatch’ and invasive plants such as star thistle. Removal of invasive species allows native plants and animal species, such as fairy shrimp, to thrive. The burns will also remove dangerous fire fuels from grassland adjacent to private property and near high-use areas. Up to 250 acres are targeted for burning.  More Than 65 Acres Treated Around Lake Oroville This Season Fuel reduction work around Oroville continues to improve forest health and reduce fire risk. In partnership with Butte County Fire Safe Council, Butte County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), the California Conservation Corps (CCC), CA State Parks, and CAL FIRE, DWR’s Fuel Load Management Plan (FLMP) work has thinned approximately 25 acres of overgrown vegetation and trees, as well as cut, piled, and chipped approximately 40 acres of dead and dying hazardous fuels (trees and vegetation) from the North Complex wildfire burn scar at Loafer Creek. CAL FIRE and CCC crews are continuing to work within the North Complex wildfire burn scar 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. BCSO crews are continuing to chip cut vegetation near the Equestrian Camp at Loafer Creek. Green Mountain Contractors, Inc. just completed a 13-acre thinning and chipping project along Highway 162 and the entrance to Loafer Creek Recreation area. FLMP efforts will be winding down as hotter and drier conditions elevate risk of accidental ignitions. Photo: CA Conservation Corps crew clearing North Complex wildfire burn scar at Loafer Creek  Blue Green Algae Monitoring
DWR environmental scientists regularly monitor for blue-green algae and their toxins during the summer months. There are currently no HAB advisories for Lake Oroville, Upper Feather River lakes, the Thermalito Forebay, or the Thermalito Afterbay. Water samples are taken at various locations regularly from Memorial Day through Labor Day and sent to a lab for toxin analysis. Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) is a natural component of ecosystems. Under certain conditions, including warmer temperatures and increased nutrient loads, algae can grow rapidly causing “blooms.” Algal blooms sometimes produce toxins that can be harmful to people and animals. Algal blooms can make the water appear green, blue, or brown in color. Seeing colors, mats, foam, scum, or paint-like streaks in the water may indicate a bloom is present. Keep animals and children away from the water when a suspected harmful algal bloom (HAB) is present and report the possible HAB immediately. If elevated levels of cyanobacteria toxins are found, DWR staff will work with California’s Regional Water Quality Control Board and recreation area managers to notify the public and post advisory signs at affected waterbodies. To learn more about HABs or to report a HAB visit the Water Board’s website. Photo: Algal bloom on Lake Oroville's West Branch in August 2020 Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 713 feet elevation and storage is about 1.36 million acre-feet -- 39 percent full and 46 percent of historical average. Currently, in the Northern Sierra Basin, rainfall is below average, at 47 percent of normal for this time of year and snowpack is also below average at four percent of normal. An excessive heat watch is in effect from Sunday afternoon through Tuesday evening with temperatures well above 100 degrees. Expect temperatures to remain in the upper 90s low 100s through the remainder of the week. Currently, flows down the low flow channel through the City of Oroville are at 650 cfs and 1,850 cfs is being released from the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet (Outlet) for a total of 2,500 cfs downstream of the Outlet. Current releases are for meeting downstream water quality and flow requirements and are re-assessed on a daily basis. 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 5/27/2021 ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.  May 21, 2021 Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission Public Meeting The California Natural Resources Agency is hosting its seventh Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission (OCAC) meeting on Friday, May 28 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The public meeting will be held online and will include presentations and public comment. The Commission will receive an update on dam safety and presentations on risk assessment. The Citizens Advisory Commission is a forum to provide public feedback and be a voice for the communities surrounding Oroville Dam. For information on how to join the virtual meeting, please visit the OCAC website. Over 65 Acres Treated Around Lake Oroville This Season Fuel reduction work around Oroville continues to improve forest health and reduce fire risk. In partnership with Butte County Fire Safe Council, Butte County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), the California Conservation Corps (CCC), CA State Parks, and CAL FIRE, DWR’s Fuel Load Management Plan (FLMP) work has thinned approximately 25 acres of overgrown vegetation and trees, as well as cut, piled, and chipped approximately 40 acres of dead and dying hazardous fuels (trees and vegetation) from the North Complex wildfire burn scar at Loafer Creek. CAL FIRE and CCC crews are continuing to work within the North Complex wildfire burn scar 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. BCSO crews are continuing to chip cut vegetation near the Equestrian Camp at Loafer Creek. Green Mountain Contractors, Inc. just completed a 13-acre thinning and chipping project along Highway 162 and the entrance to Loafer Creek Recreation area. FLMP efforts will be winding down as hotter and drier conditions elevate risk of accidental ignitions. Photo: CA Conservation Corps crew clearing North Complex wildfire burn scar at Loafer Creek  Blue Green Algae Monitoring Begins for Recreational Season Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) is a natural component of ecosystems. Under certain conditions, including warmer temperatures and increased nutrient loads, algae can grow rapidly causing “blooms.” Algal blooms sometimes produce toxins that can be harmful to people and animals. Algal blooms can make the water appear green, blue, or brown in color. Seeing colors, mats, foam, scum, or paint-like streaks in the water may indicate a bloom is present. Keep animals and children away from the water when a suspected harmful algal bloom (HAB) is present and report the possible HAB immediately. DWR environmental scientists regularly monitor Lake Oroville, Upper Feather River lakes, the Thermalito North Forebay, and the Thermalito Afterbay for blue-green algae and their toxins. In past years, algal blooms have been found in the upper reaches of all forks of Lake Oroville and in Upper Feather River lakes. Water samples are taken at various locations regularly from Memorial Day through Labor Day and sent to a lab for toxin analysis. There are currently no HAB advisories for Lake Oroville, Upper Feather River lakes, the Thermalito Forebay, or the Thermalito Afterbay. If elevated levels of cyanobacteria toxins are found, DWR staff will work with California’s Regional Water Quality Control Board and recreation area managers to notify the public and post advisory signs at affected waterbodies. To learn more about HABs or to report a HAB visit the Water Board’s website. Photo: DWR environmental scientists collect algal bloom samples for testing  Oroville Recreation
The Lime Saddle, Bidwell Canyon, and Spillway boat ramps are open for use, along with the newly opened Loafer Point Stage II boat ramp facility. The California Department of Parks and Recreation (CA Parks) has opened their reservations for campgrounds 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. Trails and day use facilities 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. Photo: Floating campsite on Lake Oroville Current Lake Operations The elevation of Oroville’s reservoir is about 718 feet elevation and storage is about 1.40 million acre-feet -- 40 percent full and 47 percent of historical average. Currently, in the Northern Sierra Basin, rainfall is below average, at 47 percent of normal for this time of year and snowpack is also below average at five percent of normal. Slight cooling over the weekend with warm and dry conditions next week. Currently, flows down the low flow channel through the City of Oroville are at 650 cfs and 1,850 cfs is being released from the Thermalito Afterbay Outlet (Outlet) for a total of 2,500 cfs downstream of the Outlet. Current releases are for meeting downstream water quality and flow requirements and are re-assessed on a daily basis. 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 5/20/2021 ### Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov. |
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