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

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December 13, 2019Lake Oroville Community UpdateNotification: The California Department of Water Resources will be sending out the weekly Oroville Community Update email newsletter from a new email subscription management service starting January 1, 2020. Subscriber information previously provided to NationBuilder will be moved to the California Natural Resources Agency’s ListServe 16.0 supported by L-Soft. Subscribers who do not want their information moved to CNRA’s ListServe 16.0 can unsubscribe from receiving the Oroville Community Update by December 27, 2019. Unsubscribe from receiving the Oroville Community Update.  Please email oroville@water.ca.gov if you have any questions.
Oroville Field Division Starts Controlled Burns in Lake Oroville’s McCabe cove     
Every spring, Oroville Field Division (OFD) maintenance crews collect floating debris carried into Lake Oroville by winter rains from the three forks of the Feather River. Logs, branches and other floating debris is secured and towed to a remote cove on the Feather River’s South Fork arm of the lake. As summer water deliveries lower lake levels, the floating debris is deposited on the shoreline. After the first rains of the season, OFD’s maintenance crews pile the logs into small piles for burning. The public is advised to use caution if visiting the area. These controlled burns will continue until all the debris is removed.
Hydroseeding at Spillway Reconstruction Area Prevents Erosion
Areas of the hillsides near Oroville Dam’s reconstructed main spillway will appear bright green due to the application of a hydroseed mix for site stabilization and erosion control. The hydroseed mix helps to reestablish a root structure in the soil profile to hold it in place. Native species such as yarrow, fescue, California poppy and lupine will help to restore natural ground cover and the green-colored bonded fiber matrix will hold the mix together until the seed can germinate. Hydroseeding is one component of the Oroville Spillways Emergency Recovery Project’s site rehabilitation activities that are scheduled over the next several years.
California Experiences Many Types of Flooding – Are you Prepared?
After a dry summer and fall, wet winter storms add storage to the state’s reservoirs. Yet flooding caused by heavy rains can have devastating results and without proper preparedness, lives, homes, infrastructure and agriculture are at risk of being lost. This winter, be prepared with an emergency evacuation kit, pay attention to weather forecasts and listen to local authorities. Being aware of your risk, because being prepared and taking action can help keep you and your family safe. Visit DWR’s Flood Preparedness Week webpage for more flood safety tips.
DWR Installation of New Lighting on Main Spillway to Occur in 2020
Following manufacturer’s instructions, new lighting installed on Oroville Dam’s main spillway will remain on for a continuous 72-hour period as part of activation testing. It’s anticipated this testing period will now take place after the first of the year. The public’s patience is appreciated as DWR complies with the lights’ activation requirements. After testing is complete, the lights will then be used intermittently based on operational needs.
California Natural Resources Agency’s Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission Public Meeting
Thank you to everyone who participated in the second Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission meeting, which took place on Wednesday, Nov. 20 in Oroville. A summary and transcript of the meeting will be uploaded to the Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission webpage in the coming weeks. Details about the Commission’s next meeting and information about the Commission is available on the Commission webpage.
Spillway Boat Ramp Area Holiday and Winter Access Hours
The winter access schedule for Lake Oroville’s Spillway Boat Ramp provides daily public access to the area from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Motorists are urged to turn on headlights and pay attention to pedestrian and bicyclist safety.
Walkers, joggers and bicyclists may continue to enjoy daily access on the pedestrian lane on the lakeside of Dam Crest/Oroville Dam Road from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., as well as parking at the Upper Overlook. These access hours for Dam Crest/Oroville Dam Road will remain the same through the winter months.
Current Lake Operations
The elevation of Oroville reservoir nearly 782 feet and storage is about 1.9 million acre-feet. Daily average inflows to the lake have ranged between approximately 4,890 cfs (cubic feet per second) to 11,270 cfs over the past week.
Rain and snow is in the forecast for December 14 and 15 with the chance for additional rain during the week of December 16.   
Water is being released from Lake Oroville at a rate of about 3,300 cfs. Water from the reservoir is being used locally for rice decomposition and to support waterfowl habitats and is also being used to meet Feather River flow and environmental requirements in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. 
 *all reservoir data as of midnight 12/12/19
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December 6, 2019Lake Oroville Community UpdateDWR Installation of New Lighting on Main Spillway
Following manufacturer’s instructions, new lighting installed on Oroville Dam’s main spillway will remain on for a continuous 72-hour period as part of activation testing. It’s anticipated this testing period will now take place in mid-December. The public’s patience is appreciated as DWR complies with the lights’ activation requirements. After testing is complete, the lights will then be used intermittently based on operational needs.
California Natural Resources Agency’s Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission Public Meeting
Thank you to everyone who participated in the second Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission meeting, which took place on Wednesday, Nov. 20 in Oroville. A summary and transcript of the meeting will be uploaded to the Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission webpage in the coming weeks. Details about the Commission’s next meeting and information about the Commission is also available on the webpage.
During the site visit at Oroville Dam as part of last week’s Commission meeting, DWR referenced a briefing held in May with a team of experts known as the Board of Consultants on how the main spillway performed when it was used in April 2019. A link to the recap of that briefing can found here. 
Spillway Boat Ramp Area Holiday and Winter Access Hours
The winter access schedule for Lake Oroville’s Spillway Boat Ramp provides daily public access to the area from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Motorists are urged to turn on headlights and pay attention to pedestrian and bicyclist safety.
Walkers, joggers and bicyclists may continue to enjoy daily access on the pedestrian lane on the lakeside of Dam Crest/Oroville Dam Road from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., as well as parking at the Upper Overlook. These access hours for Dam Crest/Oroville Dam Road will remain the same through the winter months.
Current Lake Operations
The elevation of Oroville reservoir is nearly 777 feet and storage is about 1.9 million acre-feet. Daily average inflows to the lake have ranged between 3,100 cfs to 6,300 cfs over the past week.
There is about 3 to 4 inches of precipitation projected in the Feather River basin December 6 through 8 with average inflows ranging between 4,000 cfs to 11,000 cfs. For the week of December 9, high pressure is expected to build following the anticipated storm over the weekend. Storm activity is currently being directed to the north with no forecasted precipitation expected for the Feather River watershed. The forecast also suggests the potential for weak atmospheric river activity to reach the basin between Dec. 11 – Dec. 13. DWR will continue to monitor forecasts as they evolve.
The water needs from Lake Oroville are about 3,600 cfs. This includes about 1,100 cfs used locally for rice decomposition and waterfowl habitat and about 2,500 cfs to the high flow channel of the Feather River, downstream of the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet, to meet Feather River flow and environmental requirements in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
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November 27, 2019Lake Oroville Community UpdateDWR Installation of New Lighting on Main Spillway
Following manufacturer’s instructions, new lighting installed on Oroville Dam’s main spillway will remain on for a continuous 72-hour period as part of activation testing. It’s anticipated this testing period will now take place in mid-December. The public’s patience is appreciated as DWR complies with the light’s activation requirements. After testing is complete, the lights will then be used intermittently based on operational needs.
California Natural Resources Agency’s Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission Public Meeting
Thank you to everyone who participated in the second Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission meeting, which took place on Wednesday, Nov. 20 in Oroville. A summary and transcript of the meeting will be uploaded to the Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission webpage in the coming weeks. Details about the Commission’s next meeting and information about the Commission is also available on the webpage.
During the site visit at Oroville Dam as part of last week’s Commission meeting, DWR referenced a briefing held in May with a team of experts known as the Board of Consultants on how the main spillway performed when it was used in April 2019. A link to the recap of that briefing can found here.  
Spillway Boat Ramp Area Holiday and Winter Access Hours
The winter access schedule for Lake Oroville’s Spillway Boat Ramp provides daily public access to the area from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Motorists are urged to turn on headlights and pay attention to pedestrian and bicyclist safety.
Walkers, joggers and bicyclists may continue to enjoy daily access on the pedestrian lane on the lakeside of Dam Crest/Oroville Dam Road from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., as well as parking at the Upper Overlook. These access hours for Dam Crest/Oroville Dam Road will remain the same through the winter months.
Current Lake Operations
The elevation of Oroville reservoir is 775 feet and storage is about 1.9 million acre-feet. Daily average inflows to the lake have ranged between 1,950 cfs to 2,100 cfs over the past week.
Precipitation is expected for the week of Dec. 2 in the Feather River watershed. A change in the weather is expected to begin on Monday night through Tuesday with the basin expecting between five and six inches of precipitation over the next six days. Freezing elevations will range from 4,000 to 6,500 feet enabling snow to accumulate. Beyond this week, the unsettled pattern continues with possible additional systems dropping down from the Gulf of Alaska.
Water demands from Lake Oroville are about 1,700 cfs and actual releases will vary throughout the day and week based upon power generation schedules. Water from the reservoir continues to be used locally for rice decomposition and waterfowl habitat and released to meet environmental and flow requirements in the Feather River, as well as downstream in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Releases for local diversions are approximately 1,500 cfs and the scheduled releases to the high flow channel of the Feather River, downstream of the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet, are 2,450 cfs.
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​For more information on local recreation, head to LakeOroville.net

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

For more information on local recreation, head to LakeOroville.net

November 8, 2019Lake Oroville Community UpdateCalifornia Natural Resources Agency to Host Second Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission Public Meeting
The California Natural Resources Agency is hosting its second Citizens Advisory Commission meeting on Wednesday, November 20, 2019. The meeting will begin with a site visit followed by a public meeting with presentations and the opportunity for public comment. The site visit and meeting are both open to members of the community.
The site visit will convene at the Oroville Dam Overlook Parking Area at the north end of Oroville Dam Crest Road from 8:45 a.m. to 10 a.m. Department of Water Resources staff will be available to provide information and answer questions from Commission members and the public. The Commission meeting will end at 1 p.m. Additional information can be found here.
The Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission, created by Senate Bill 955 (Nielsen) in 2018, established a new public forum for discussing issues related to the Oroville Dam facilities. The Commission, housed within the California Natural Resources Agency, represents the communities surrounding Oroville Dam for the purposes of providing public input and receiving information from state agencies related to the Oroville Dam, including its appurtenant structures, the Feather River Fish Hatchery, and the Oroville-Thermalito Complex.
Spillway Boat Ramp Area Holiday and Winter Access Hours
Weekend Spillway Boat Ramp area access Friday through Sunday from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. will be extended through the Veteran’s Day holiday Monday, November 11. On Tuesday, November 12, the new winter access schedule will begin, providing daily access for motorists and the public to the Spillway Boat Ramp area from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. As daylight hours decrease, motorists are urged to turn on headlights and pay attention to pedestrian and bicyclist safety.
Walkers, joggers and bicyclists continue to enjoy daily access on the pedestrian lane on the lakeside of Dam Crest Road from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., as well as parking at the Upper Overlook. These access hours for the Dam Crest Road will remain the same through the winter months.
Current Lake Operations
The elevation of Oroville reservoir is 782 feet and storage is just over 2 million acre-feet. There is no rainfall in the 5-day forecast for the Feather River watershed and daily average inflows to the lake have ranged between 980 cfs to 2,250 cfs over the past week. Water releases from Lake Oroville are about 3,600 cfs and will vary throughout the week based upon power generation schedules. Water from the lake continues to be used locally for rice decomposition and waterfowl habitat and released to meet environmental and flow requirements in the Feather River, as well as downstream in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The scheduled releases to the high flow channel of the Feather River, downstream of the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet, are 2,450 cfs.
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November 1, 2019Lake Oroville Community UpdateSpillway Boat Ramp Area Holiday and Winter Access Hours
Weekend Spillway Boat Ramp area access Friday through Sunday from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. will be extended through the Veteran’s Day holiday Monday, November 11. On Tuesday, November 12, the new winter access schedule will begin, providing daily access to the Spillway Boat Ramp area from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. to accommodate the Nov. 3 transition from Daylight Savings Time. The Spillway Boat Ramp Area will remain closed Monday through Thursday, Nov. 4-7 to allow final construction activities to be completed.
Walkers, joggers and bicyclists continue to enjoy daily access to the pedestrian lane on the lakeside of Dam Crest Road from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., as well as parking at the Upper Overlook. These access hours for the Dam Crest Road will remain the same through the winter months. For safety considerations, the public can only drive across Dam Crest Road within the operating hours of the Spillway Boat Ramp, which are Friday through Sunday from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. including the Veteran’s Day holiday on November 11 and change to daily access 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on November 12. As daylight hours grow less, motorists are urged to turn on headlights and pay attention to pedestrian and bicyclist safety.
Spillway Construction Site Office Trailers to Remain at Upper Overlook        
The recent relocation of construction office trailers to a portion of the Upper Overlook parking lot has been extended. DWR is locating construction office trailers on DWR property at Oroville Dam’s Upper Overlook parking lot in an effort to provide staff with office accommodations in proximity to ongoing and future DWR projects, including the Oroville Dam Spillways Reconstruction project and future site rehabilitation activities, Lake Oroville recreation improvement projects and other area projects.
DWR Biologist Count Salmon Returning to the Feather River
DWR biologists wading or boating up and down the Feather River between the Fish Hatchery and the East Gridley Bridge will be visible over the next few months as they perform their annual estimate of Chinook Salmon returning to the river to spawn. The annual estimate, along with the other information collected on the survey, is vital for understanding the health of the Feather River salmon fishery and for understanding the health of the CA ocean fishery as well. Estimates of the number of salmon spawning in the Feather River are added to other spawning populations in the Central Valley to inform ocean harvest managers about the overall health of the Sacramento Valley Fall-run Chinook Salmon population.
DWR’s Feather River Program conducts many other types of fisheries research and monitoring throughout the year in the lower Feather River. The Program’s work provides understanding about the biology and life-history of Chinook Salmon and other listed species in the Feather River, helping DWR to operate Oroville Dam and associated facilities in a manner that will insure healthy fish populations for the long-term.
Current Lake Operations
The elevation of Oroville reservoir is 786 feet and storage is 2.04 million acre-feet. There is no rainfall in the 5-day forecast for the Feather River watershed and daily average inflows to the lake have ranged between 1,100 cfs to 2,200 cfs over the past week. Water releases from Lake Oroville are approximately 4,850 cfs and will vary throughout the week based upon power generation schedules. Water from the lake is being used locally for rice decomposition and waterfowl habitat and released to meet environmental and flow requirements in the Feather River as well as downstream in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The releases to the high flow channel of the Feather River, downstream of the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet, are 2,490 cfs.
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​To learn more about local recreation, head to LakeOroville.net

October 25, 2019Lake Oroville Community UpdateDWR Joins Law Enforcement and Government Partners at Oroville’s Trunk-R-Treat Safety Fair
At the invitation of Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea, DWR’s Oroville Field Division will again participate in the annual Halloween “Trunk-R-Treat Safety Fair” at the Nelson Sports Complex from 3:30 to 6 p.m. on October 31. The event, organized by the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, provides a safe space for local children and families to celebrate Halloween. Public safety vehicles from local law enforcement and government agencies, decorated with Halloween themes, will have staff ready to hand out treats from trunks full of donated candy to the hundreds of trick-or-treaters and their families who enjoy this annual, festive event.
Fuel Load Management Project at Bidwell Canyon Requires Intermittent Lane Closure
The California Conservation Corps (CCC) will continue to work on a vegetation thinning and chipping project to minimize risk and lessen the spread of wildfire near the Bidwell Canyon day use area through November 1. The work will take place adjacent to Bidwell Canyon Road just before the Bidwell Canyon California State Parks entrance kiosk. At the end of each week, CCC’s chipping of removed brush will require one-way traffic controls due to a required lane closure. Drivers are cautioned to be alert for workers and flaggers.
Oroville Dam Safety Comprehensive Needs Assessment Ad Hoc Group Meeting Held Earlier This Month
The Oroville Dam Safety Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA) Ad Hoc Group met on Wednesday, October 16 at 2 p.m. The goal of the Oroville Dam CNA is to identify priorities and appropriate solutions to bolster the integrity and resiliency of the Oroville Dam complex to ensure public safety. The primary role of the Ad Hoc Group is to communicate with the broader community about the CNA process and share community concerns or questions with DWR and the Independent Review Board.
For details about this meeting or past Oroville Dam CNA Ad Hoc meetings, visit: https://water.ca.gov/Programs/State-Water-Project/Oroville-Dam-Safety-Comprehensive-Needs-Assessment.
Public Access to the Spillway Boat Ramp Area and Dam Crest Road
As a reminder, the Spillway Boat Ramp area and parking lots are open to the public Friday through Sunday from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. The area remains closed Monday through Thursday to accommodate ongoing construction.
Walkers, joggers and bicyclists continue to enjoy daily access to the pedestrian lane on the lakeside of Dam Crest Road from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., as well as parking at the Upper Overlook. For safety considerations, the public can only drive across Dam Crest Road within the operating hours of the Spillway Boat Ramp, which are Friday through Sunday from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Lake Level
The elevation of Oroville reservoir is 790 feet and storage is 2.08 million acre-feet. There is no rainfall in the 5-day forecast for the Feather River watershed and daily average inflows to the lake have ranged between 1,660 cfs to 2,490 cfs over the past week. Water releases from Lake Oroville are approximately 4,637 cfs and will vary throughout the week based upon power generation schedules.  Water from the lake is being used locally for rice decomposition and waterfowl habitat, and released to meet environmental and flow requirements in the Feather River as well as downstream in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.  The releases to the high flow channel of the Feather River, downstream of the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet, are 2,490 cfs.
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Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.

For more local recreation information, head to LakeOroville.net

October 18, 2019Lake Oroville Community Update2019-2020 Operations Plan for Lake Oroville
The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) submitted its 2019-2020 flood operations plan for Lake Oroville to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and California Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD) last month. DWR will operate the reservoir to safely manage lake levels during the winter months, providing flood protection for downstream communities while meeting downstream water deliveries and environmental requirements. Because the Oroville Dam Safety Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA) is still ongoing, this year’s operations plan maintains the same enhanced flood pool as the 2018-2019 winter operations plan. The CNA will provide additional information to guide long-term operations of Oroville Reservoir.
Oroville Dam Safety Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA) Ad Hoc Group Meeting Held Earlier This Week
An Oroville Dam CNA Ad Hoc meeting took place on Wednesday, October 16 at 2 p.m. The goal of the Oroville Dam CNA is to identify priorities and appropriate solutions to bolster the integrity and resiliency of the Oroville Dam complex to ensure public safety. The primary role of the Ad Hoc Group is to communicate with the broader community about the CNA process and share community concerns or questions with DWR and the Independent Review Board.
For details about this meeting or past Oroville Dam CNA Ad Hoc meetings, visit: https://water.ca.gov/Programs/State-Water-Project/Oroville-Dam-Safety-Comprehensive-Needs-Assessment
Loafer Creek Controlled Burn Conducted Earlier This Week
On Tuesday, October 15, firefighters conducted a controlled burn at Loafer Creek in order to reduce future fire hazard and improve natural habitat and rangeland. Approximately 100 acres was treated. This work was a cooperative effort between CAL FIRE/Butte County Fire Department, DWR and the California Department of Parks and Recreation.
Fuel Load Management Project at Bidwell Canyon Requires Intermittent Lane Closure
The California Conservation Corps (CCC) began a vegetation thinning and chipping project to minimize risk and lessen the spread of wildfire on Monday, October 14, and will continue through November 1. The work will take place adjacent to Bidwell Canyon Road just before the Bidwell Canyon California State Parks entrance kiosk. At the end of each week, CCC’s chipping of removed brush will require one-way traffic controls due to a required lane closure. Drivers are cautioned to be alert for workers and flaggers.
Public Access to the Spillway Boat Ramp Area and Dam Crest Road
As a reminder, the Spillway Boat Ramp area and parking lots are open to the public Friday through Sunday from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. The area remains closed Monday through Thursday to accommodate ongoing construction. Walkers, joggers and bicyclists continue to enjoy daily access to the pedestrian lane on the lakeside of Dam Crest Road from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., as well as parking at the Upper Overlook. For safety considerations, the public can only drive across Dam Crest Road within the operating hours of the Spillway Boat Ramp, which are Friday through Sunday from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Lake Level
The current elevation of Oroville reservoir is 792 feet, and daily average water releases from Lake Oroville are approximately 1,580 cubic feet per second (cfs) including 2,450 cfs release to the high flow channel of the Feather River, downstream of the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet.
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Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.

​For more information on local recreation, head to LakeOroville.net

October 11, 2019Lake Oroville Community Update2019-2020 Operations Plan for Lake Oroville
The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) submitted its 2019-2020 flood operations plan for Lake Oroville to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and California Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD) last week. DWR will operate the reservoir to safely manage lake levels during the winter months, providing flood protection for downstream communities while meeting downstream water deliveries and environmental requirements. Due to the fact that the Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA) is still ongoing, this year’s operations plan maintains the same enhanced flood pool as the 2018-2019 winter operations plan. The CNA will provide additional information to guide long-term operations of Oroville Reservoir.
Water Year 2020 Begins with Robust Reservoir Storage
California’s new water year began on Oct. 1 with significantly more water in storage than the previous year thanks to above-average snow and precipitation across the state. Lake Oroville, the State Water Project’s largest reservoir, is currently at 102 percent of average for this time of year compared to just 62 percent of average at this time last year.
The water year runs from October 1 to September 30. For more information, visit: https://water.ca.gov/News/News-Releases/2019/October-19/Water-Year-2020-Begins-with-Robust-Reservoir-Storage
Inaugural Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission Meeting Held Last Month
Thank you to everyone who participated in the inaugural Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission meeting, which took place on Monday, September 30. A summary and transcript of the meeting will be uploaded to the Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission webpage in the coming weeks.
For details about the Commission’s next meeting and for more information about the commission, visit: http://resources.ca.gov/oroville-dam-citizens-advisory-commission/.
Spillway Construction Site Office Trailers to Temporarily Relocate to Upper Overlook        
As construction winds down at the Oroville Spillways Emergency Recovery Project, four construction office trailers will be temporarily relocated in early October to the Upper Overlook parking lot. The offices are expected to remain in the parking lot for at least two months. Public parking at the Upper Overlook will not be impacted.
Fuel Load Management Project at Bidwell Canyon Requires Intermittent Lane Closure
The California Conservation Corps (CCC) will begin a vegetation thinning and chipping project to minimize risk and lessen the spread of wildfire Monday, October 14 through November 1. The work will take place adjacent to Bidwell Canyon Road just before the Bidwell Canyon CA State Parks entrance kiosk. At the end of each week, CCC chipping of removed brush will require one-way traffic controls due to a required lane closure. Drivers are cautioned to be alert for workers and flaggers.
Public Access to the Spillway Boat Ramp Area and Dam Crest Road
As a reminder, the Spillway Boat Ramp area and parking lots are open to the public Friday through Sunday from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. The area remains closed Monday through Thursday to accommodate ongoing construction.
Walkers, joggers and bicyclists continue to enjoy daily access to the pedestrian lane on the lakeside of Dam Crest Road from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., as well as parking at the Upper Overlook. For safety considerations, the public can only drive across Dam Crest Road within the operating hours of the Spillway Boat Ramp, which are Friday through Sunday from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Lake Level
The current elevation of Oroville reservoir is 793 feet, and daily average water releases from Lake Oroville are approximately 4,660 cubic feet per second (cfs) including 8,000 cfs release to the high flow channel of the Feather River, downstream of the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet. DWR has begun a gradual ramping down of these releases to the Feather River during the first half of October to achieve a sustainable spawning flow of 2,500 cfs by mid-month.
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Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.

​For more information on local recreation, head to LakeOroville.net

October 4, 2019Lake Oroville Community Update2019-2020 Operations Plan for Lake Oroville
The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) submitted its plan for 2019-2020 flood operations to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and California Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD) this week. DWR will operate the reservoir to safely manage lake levels during the winter months, providing flood protection for downstream communities while meeting downstream water deliveries and environmental requirements. The 2019-2020 plan is to operate the same enhanced flood pool as the winter operations plan that was put in place for the 2018-2019 winter season.
Inaugural Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission Meeting Held Last Week
Thank you to everyone who participated in the inaugural Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission meeting, which took place on Monday, September 30. A summary and transcript of the meeting will be uploaded to the Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission webpage in the coming weeks.
For details about the Commission’s next meeting and for more information about the commission, visit: http://resources.ca.gov/oroville-dam-citizens-advisory-commission/.
CAL FIRE to Conduct Controlled Burn at Loafer Creek Recreation Area
CAL FIRE may perform a controlled burn at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area’s Loafer Creek facility on Monday, October 7. If executed, the controlled burn will strategically reduce future wildfire risk for a total of 105 acres.
Spillway Construction Site Office Trailers to Temporarily Relocate to Upper Overlook        
As construction winds down at the Oroville Spillways Emergency Recovery Project, four construction office trailers will be temporarily relocated in early October to the Upper Overlook parking lot. The offices are expected to remain in the parking lot for at least two months. Public parking at the Upper Overlook will not be impacted.
Fuel Load Management Project Receives Four-Legged Help
More than 500 goats and sheep will assist DWR to maintain a fuel reduction project on the steep hillsides around Lime Saddle’s Parrish Cove for approximately 4-8 days beginning Oct. 1. Grazing is gaining popularity as a sustainable method to minimize risk and lessen the spread of wildfire through vegetation management. The grazing area will be cordoned off by an electric fence and warning signs will be posted for public safety. Shepherds will be present to protect animals, and the public is urged to stay clear of the electric fence and keep pets away so the goats and sheep are not disturbed.
Public Access to the Spillway Boat Ramp Area and Dam Crest Road
As a reminder, the Spillway Boat Ramp area and parking lots are open to the public Friday through Sunday from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. The area remains closed Monday through Thursday to accommodate ongoing construction.
Walkers, joggers and bicyclists continue to enjoy daily access to the pedestrian lane on the lakeside of Dam Crest Road from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Thursday, as well as parking at the Upper Overlook. For safety considerations, the public can only drive across Dam Crest Road within the operating hours of the Spillway Boat Ramp, which are Friday through Sunday from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Lake Level
As of Friday, the current elevation of Oroville reservoir is 799 feet, and daily average water releases from Lake Oroville are approximately 7,500 cubic feet per second (cfs) including 8,000 cfs release to the high flow channel of the Feather River, downstream of the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet. DWR has begun a gradual ramping down of these Feather River releases during the first half of October to achieve a sustainable spawning flow of 2500 cfs by mid-month.
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Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.

For more information on local recreation, head to LakeOroville.net

September 27, 2019Lake Oroville Community UpdateCalifornia Natural Resources Agency to Host Inaugural Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission Meeting Sept. 30
A new commission tasked with providing public feedback related to the Oroville Dam and its facilities will hold its inaugural meeting on Monday, September 30. The meeting, which is open to the public, will take place from 9:30 a.m. to Noon at the Southside Oroville Community Center, 2959 Lower Wyandotte Road, Oroville, CA 95966, in the community center’s Multipurpose Room.
The Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission, created by Senate Bill 955 (Nielsen) in 2018, establishes a new forum for discussing issues related to the Oroville Dam facilities. The goal of the Commission is to act as a unified voice for the communities surrounding Oroville Dam. The Commission, housed within the California Natural Resources Agency and chaired by CNRA Secretary Wade Crowfoot, will receive information from state agencies and accept public input regarding the Oroville Dam, including its appurtenant structures, the Feather River Fish Hatchery, and the Oroville-Thermalito Complex.
The agenda and additional information can be found here.
Oroville’s Salmon Festival to Celebrate its 25th Anniversary
Each year the Oroville Salmon Festival celebrates the return of salmon to the Feather River. This year marks the event’s 25th anniversary in historic downtown Oroville and the Feather River Fish Hatchery. Always held on the fourth Saturday in September, the September 28 event will include a full outdoor sports expo to promote the Oroville area’s recreation opportunities. DWR staff will lead tours of the Hatchery’s spawning operations, which enable millions of Chinook salmon to be returned to the river every spring. Those who want 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. Kid’s activities, food, music, street fair and informational booths, including a health fair sponsored by Oroville Hospital, are certain to make this anniversary event one to remember.
For details, visit: https://www.visitoroville.com/salmon-festival.html.
Fuel Load Management Project Receives Four-legged Help
More than 500 goats and sheep will assist DWR to maintain a fuel reduction project completed during the winter of 2016-17 by DWR and the Butte County Fire Safe Council. The project will take place on the steep hillsides around Lime Saddle’s Parrish Cove for approximately 7-10 days beginning September 27. Grazing is gaining popularity as a sustainable method to minimize risk and lessen the spread of wildfire through vegetation management. The grazing area will be cordoned off by an electric fence and warning signs will be posted for public safety. Shepherds will be present to protect animals and the public is urged to stay clear of the electric fence and keep pets away so the goats and sheep are not disturbed.
Spillway Construction Site Office Trailers to Temporarily Relocate to Upper Overlook          
As construction winds down at the Oroville Spillways Emergency Recovery Project, four construction office trailers will be temporarily relocated during September and early October to the Upper Overlook parking lot. The offices are expected to remain in the parking lot for at least two months. Public parking at the Upper Overlook will not be impacted.
Public Access to the Spillway Boat Ramp Area and Dam Crest Road
As a reminder, the Spillway Boat Ramp area and parking lots are open to the public Friday through Sunday from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. The area remains closed Monday through Thursday to accommodate ongoing construction. DWR plans to open the Spillway Boat Ramp seven days a week this fall once major construction activities are completed, although access may be restricted again when site rehabilitation work begins in spring 2020.
Walkers, joggers and bicyclists continue to enjoy daily access to the pedestrian lane on the lakeside of Dam Crest Road from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., as well as parking at the Upper Overlook. For safety considerations, the public can only drive across Dam Crest Road in alignment with the operating hours of the Spillway Boat Ramp, which are Friday through Sunday from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Dam Crest Road is closed to public vehicle access Monday through Thursday to accommodate ongoing construction.
Lake Level
The current elevation of Oroville reservoir is 806 feet, and water releases from Hyatt Powerplant are approximately 7,400 cubic feet per second (cfs). In additional to water supply deliveries, releases from Lake Oroville supplement the natural flows of the Feather River to meet environmental needs and Delta salinity standards. Local farmers who receive water from Lake Oroville dropped their diversions in early September for the harvest but will be increasing in October for rice stubble decomposition and migratory bird habitat. Coordinated releases from the federal Central Valley Project and the State Water Project from Lake Oroville help to balance conditions throughout the Sacramento Valley watershed.
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Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.

​For more information on local recreation, head to LakeOroville.net

September 20, 2019Lake Oroville Community UpdateCalifornia Natural Resources Agency to Host Inaugural Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission Meeting
A new commission tasked with providing public feedback related to the Oroville Dam and its facilities will hold its inaugural meeting on Monday, September 30. The meeting, which is open to the public, will take place from 9:30 a.m. to Noon at the Southside Oroville Community Center, 2959 Lower Wyandotte Road, Oroville, CA 95966, in the community center’s Multipurpose Room.
The Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission, created by Senate Bill 955 (Nielsen) in 2018, establishes a new forum for discussing issues related to the Oroville Dam facilities. The goal of the Commission is to act as a unified voice for the communities surrounding Oroville Dam. The Commission, housed within the California Natural Resources Agency and chaired by CNRA Secretary Wade Crowfoot, will receive information from state agencies and accept public input regarding the Oroville Dam, including its appurtenant structures, the Feather River Fish Hatchery, and the Oroville-Thermalito Complex.
The agenda and additional information can be found here.
Oroville’s Salmon Festival to Celebrate its 25th Anniversary
Each year the Oroville Salmon Festival celebrates the return of salmon to the Feather River. This year marks the event’s 25th anniversary in historic downtown Oroville and the Feather River Fish Hatchery. Always held on the last Saturday in September, the September 28 event will include a full outdoor sports expo to promote the Oroville area’s recreation opportunities. DWR staff will lead tours of the Hatchery’s spawning operations, which enable millions of Chinook salmon to be returned to the river every spring. 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. Kid’s activities, food, music, street fair and informational booths, including a health fair sponsored by Oroville Hospital, are certain to make this anniversary event one to remember.
For details, visit: https://www.visitoroville.com/salmon-festival.html.
Spillway Construction Site  Office Trailers to Temporarily Relocate to Upper Overlook          
As construction winds down at the Oroville Spillways Emergency Recovery Project, four construction office trailers will be temporarily relocated during September and early October to the Upper Overlook parking lot. The offices are expected to remain in the parking lot for at least two months. Public parking at the Upper Overlook will not be impacted. 
Spillway Boat Ramp Area Operating Hours
As a reminder, the Spillway Boat Ramp area and parking lots are open to the public Friday through Sunday from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. The area remains closed Monday through Thursday to accommodate ongoing construction. DWR plans to open the Spillway Boat Ramp seven days a week this fall once major construction activities are completed, although access may be restricted again when site rehabilitation work begins in spring 2020.
The Spillway Boat Ramp is the largest boat ramp facility at Lake Oroville. As lake levels have continued to drop, boat boarding floats at the Spillway Boat Ramp have been moved to the lower, eight-lane boat ramp. Parking is also available near the ramps.  Additionally, hikers, bicyclists and equestrians can enjoy the Potter’s Ravine, North Fork and Dead Cow Ravine trails, which are accessible from the Spillway Boat Ramp area. The day-use area with picnic tables and restrooms is also open to the public.
For details, visit: https://water.ca.gov/News/News-Releases/2019/August-19/Oroville-Dam-Spillway-Boat-Ramp-Reopening-to-Public.
Harmful Algal Bloom Update
If elevated levels of cyanobacteria toxins are found, DWR staff will work with the California Regional Water Quality Control Board and recreation area managers to notify the public and post advisory signs at affected waterbodies. Pet owners are encouraged to protect their animals by only choosing clear water without discoloration or surface scum, foam or algal mats for water play.
To view the locations where harmful algal blooms have been reported, visit: https://mywaterquality.ca.gov/habs/where/freshwater_events.html.
Public Access on Dam Crest Road
Walkers, joggers and bicyclists continue to enjoy daily access to the pedestrian lane on the lakeside of Dam Crest Road from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., as well as parking at the Upper Overlook. For safety considerations, the public can only drive across Dam Crest Road in alignment with the operating hours of the Spillway Boat Ramp, which are Friday through Sunday from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Dam Crest Road is closed to public vehicle access Monday through Thursday to accommodate ongoing construction.
For more information, visit: https://water.ca.gov/News/News-Releases/2019/June/Oroville-Dam-Crest-Road-Reopening-to-Public.
Lake Level
The current elevation of Oroville reservoir is 814 feet, and water releases from Hyatt Powerplant are approximately 10,500 cubic feet per second (cfs). Releases to the river, as well as to local agriculture, from Lake Oroville supplement the natural flows of the Feather River to meet environmental needs, salinity standards, and south of Delta State Water Project exports. Releases for local agriculture are currently dropping as farmers prepare their rice fields for harvest. Coordinated releases from the federal Central Valley Project and the State Water Project from Lake Oroville help to balance conditions throughout the Sacramento Valley watershed.
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Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.

​For more information on local recreation, head to LakeOroville.net

September 13, 2019Lake Oroville Community UpdateSpillway Office Trailers to Temporarily Relocate to Upper Overlook          
As construction winds down at the Oroville Dam Spillways Reconstruction Project, four construction office trailers will be temporarily relocated during September and early October to the Upper Overlook parking lot. The offices are expected to remain in the parking lot for two months or more. Public parking at the Overlook will not be impacted.
Oroville’s Salmon Festival to Celebrate its 25th Anniversary
Each year the Oroville Salmon Festival celebrates the return of salmon to the Feather River. This year marks the event’s 25th anniversary in historic downtown Oroville and the Feather River Fish Hatchery. Always held on the last Saturday in September, the September 28 event will include a full outdoor sports expo to promote the Oroville area’s recreation opportunities. DWR staff will lead tours of the Hatchery’s spawning operations, which enable millions of Chinook salmon to be returned to the river every spring. 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. Kid’s activities, food, music, street fair and informational booths, including a health fair sponsored by Oroville Hospital, are certain to make this anniversary event one to remember.
For details, visit: https://www.visitoroville.com/salmon-festival.html.
Spillway Boat Ramp Area Operating Hours
As a reminder, the Spillway Boat Ramp area and parking lots are open to the public Friday through Sunday from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. The area remains closed Monday through Thursday to accommodate ongoing construction. DWR plans to open the Spillway Boat Ramp seven days a week this fall once major construction activities are completed, although access may be restricted again when site rehabilitation work begins in spring 2020.
The Spillway Boat Ramp is the largest boat ramp facility at Lake Oroville. As lake levels have continued to drop, boat boarding floats at the Spillway Boat Ramp were moved this week to the lower, eight-lane boat ramp. Parking is also available near the ramps.  Additionally, hikers, bicyclists and equestrians can enjoy the Potter’s Ravine, North Fork and Dead Cow Ravine trails, which are accessible from the Spillway Boat Ramp area. The day-use area with picnic tables and restrooms is also open to the public.
For details, visit: https://water.ca.gov/News/News-Releases/2019/August-19/Oroville-Dam-Spillway-Boat-Ramp-Reopening-to-Public.
Harmful Algal Bloom Update
If elevated levels of cyanobacteria toxins are found, DWR staff will work with the California Regional Water Quality Control Board and recreation area managers to notify the public and post advisory signs at affected waterbodies. Pet owners are encouraged to protect their animals by only choosing clear water without discoloration or surface scum, foam or algal mats for water play.
To view the locations where harmful algal blooms have been reported, visit: https://mywaterquality.ca.gov/habs/where/freshwater_events.html.
Public Access on Dam Crest Road
Walkers, joggers and bicyclists continue to enjoy daily access to the pedestrian lane on the lakeside of Dam Crest Road from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., as well as parking at the Upper Overlook. For safety considerations, the public can only drive across Dam Crest Road in alignment with the operating hours of the Spillway Boat Ramp, which are Friday through Sunday from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Dam Crest Road is closed to public vehicle access Monday through Thursday to accommodate ongoing construction.
For more information, visit: https://water.ca.gov/News/News-Releases/2019/June/Oroville-Dam-Crest-Road-Reopening-to-Public.
Lake Level
The current elevation of Oroville reservoir is 822 feet, and water releases from Hyatt Powerplant are approximately 10,600 cubic feet per second (cfs). Releases to the river, as well as to local agriculture, from Lake Oroville supplement the natural flows of the Feather River to meet environmental needs, salinity standards, and south of Delta State Water Project exports. Releases for local agriculture are currently dropping as farmers prepare their rice fields for harvest. Coordinated releases from the federal Central Valley Project and the State Water Project from Lake Oroville help to balance conditions throughout the Sacramento Valley watershed.
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Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.

For more local recreation information, head to LakeOroville.net

September 6, 2019Lake Oroville Community UpdateSpillway Boat Ramp Area Operating Hours
Thank you to everyone who visited the Spillway Boat Ramp area over Labor Day Weekend! As a reminder, the Spillway Boat Ramp area and parking lots are open to the public Friday through Sunday from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. The area remains closed Monday through Thursday to accommodate ongoing construction. DWR plans to open the Spillway Boat Ramp seven days a week this fall once major construction activities are completed, although access may be restricted again once construction ramps back up in spring 2020.
The Spillway Boat Ramp, the largest boat ramp facility at Lake Oroville, currently has 12 boat launch lanes with three loading docks available for use. Once lake levels drop below 820 feet, leaving the upper ramp above the water line, a lower boat ramp with eight boat launch lanes will be available. Hikers, bicyclists and equestrians can enjoy the Potter’s Ravine, North Fork and Dead Cow Ravine trails, which are accessible from the Spillway Boat Ramp area. The day-use area with picnic tables and restrooms is also open to the public.
For details, visit: https://water.ca.gov/News/News-Releases/2019/August-19/Oroville-Dam-Spillway-Boat-Ramp-Reopening-to-Public.
Spillway Office Trailers to Temporarily Relocate to Upper Overlook          
As construction winds down at the Oroville Dam Spillways Reconstruction Project, four construction office trailers will be temporarily relocated during September and early October to the Upper Overlook parking lot. The offices are expected to remain in the parking lot for two months or more. Although DWR and Kiewit passenger vehicle traffic in and out of the fenced area at the back of the parking lot will increase, public parking at the Overlook will not be impacted.
Oroville’s Salmon Festival to Celebrate its 25th Anniversary
Each year the Oroville Salmon Festival celebrates the return of the salmon to the Feather River. This year marks the event’s 25th anniversary in historic downtown Oroville and the Feather River Fish Hatchery. Always held on the last Saturday in September, the September 28 event will include a full ‘outdoor sports’ expo to promote the Oroville area’s recreation opportunities. DWR staff will lead tours of the Hatchery’s spawning operations which enable millions of Chinook salmon to be returned to the river every spring. 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. Kid’s activities, food, music, street fair and informational booths, including a health fair sponsored by Oroville Hospital, are certain to make this anniversary event one to remember.
For details, visit: https://www.visitoroville.com/salmon-festival.html.
Harmful Algal Bloom Update
If elevated levels of cyanobacteria toxins are found, DWR staff will work with the California Regional Water Quality Control Board and recreation area managers to notify the public and post advisory signs at affected waterbodies.
To view the locations where harmful algal blooms have been reported, visit: https://mywaterquality.ca.gov/habs/where/freshwater_events.html.
Public Access on Dam Crest Road
Walkers, joggers and bicyclists continue to enjoy daily access to the pedestrian lane on the lakeside of Dam Crest Road from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., as well as parking at the Upper Overlook. For safety considerations, the public can only drive across Dam Crest Road in alignment with the operating hours of the Spillway Boat Ramp, which are Friday through Sunday from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Dam Crest Road is closed to public vehicle access Monday through Thursday to accommodate ongoing construction.
For more information, visit: https://water.ca.gov/News/News-Releases/2019/June/Oroville-Dam-Crest-Road-Reopening-to-Public.
Lake Level
The current elevation of Oroville reservoir is 830 feet, and water releases from Hyatt Powerplant are approximately 10,890 cubic feet per second (cfs). Releases to the river from Lake Oroville supplement the natural flows of the Feather River to meet environmental needs, salinity standards, and south of Delta State Water Project exports. Coordinated releases from the federal Central Valley Project and the State Water Project from Lake Oroville help to balance conditions throughout the Sacramento Valley watershed.
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Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.

​For more local recreation information, head to LakeOroville.net

August 30, 2019Lake Oroville Community UpdateSpillway Boat Ramp Area Reopening and Labor Day Schedule
DWR and California State Parks recently announced expanded Labor Day Weekend operating hours for the Spillway Boat Ramp Area. The facilities will be open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Labor Day, September 2. The Spillway Boat Ramp, the largest boat ramp facility at Lake Oroville, currently has 12 boat launch lanes with three loading docks available for use. Once lake levels drop below 820 feet, leaving the upper ramp above the water line, a lower boat ramp with eight boat launch lanes will be available. Hikers, bicyclists and equestrians can enjoy the Potter’s Ravine, North Fork and Dead Cow Ravine trails, which are accessible from the Spillway Boat Ramp facilities. The Day Use Area with picnic tables and restrooms is also open to the public.
As a reminder, the Spillway Boat Ramp area and parking lots are open to the public Friday through Sunday from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. The area remains closed Monday through Thursday, except for the Labor Day holiday, to accommodate ongoing construction. DWR plans to open the Spillway Boat Ramp seven days a week this fall once major construction activities are completed, although access may be restricted again once construction ramps back up in spring 2020.
For details, visit: https://water.ca.gov/News/News-Releases/2019/August-19/Lake-Oroville-Spillway-Boat-Ramp-Area-to-Remain-Open-for-Labor-Day.
Construction Speed Limit Lifted on Oro Dam Boulevard East
Butte County Public Works staff has returned Oro Dam Boulevard East to pre-construction speed limits between Glen Drive and Oro Powerhouse Road. Drivers are advised to be aware of roadway workers and to obey the newly posted speed limits.
Harmful Algal Bloom Update
If elevated levels of cyanobacteria toxins are found, DWR staff work with California’s Regional Water Quality Control Board and recreation area managers to notify the public and post advisory signs at affected waterbodies.
View the locations where harmful algal blooms have been reported, visit: https://mywaterquality.ca.gov/habs/where/freshwater_events.html.
Public Access to Top of Dam
Walkers, joggers and bicyclists continue to enjoy daily access to the pedestrian lane on the lakeside of Dam Crest Road from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., as well as parking at the Upper Overlook. For safety considerations, the public can only drive across Dam Crest Road in alignment with the operating hours of the Spillway Boat Ramp, which are Friday through Sunday from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Dam Crest Road is closed to public vehicle access Monday through Thursday to accommodate ongoing construction, excepting the Labor Day holiday on September 2.
For more information, visit: https://water.ca.gov/News/News-Releases/2019/June/Oroville-Dam-Crest-Road-Reopening-to-Public.
Lake Level
The current elevation of Oroville reservoir is 838 feet, and water releases from Hyatt Powerplant are approximately 8,100 cubic feet per second (cfs). Releases to the river from Lake Oroville supplement the natural flows of the Feather River to meet environmental needs, salinity standards, and south of Delta State Water Project exports. Coordinated releases from the federal Central Valley Project and the State Water Project from Lake Oroville help to balance conditions throughout the Sacramento Valley watershed.
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Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.

​For more local recreation information, head to LakeOroville.net

August 22, 2019Spillway Boat Ramp Area Reopening and Labor Day ScheduleDWR and California State Parks recently announced expanded Labor Day Weekend operating hours for the Spillway Boat Ramp Area. The facilities will be open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Labor Day, September 2. The Spillway Boat Ramp, the largest boat ramp facility at Lake Oroville, currently has 12 boat launch lanes with three loading docks available for use. Once lake levels drop below 820 feet, leaving the upper ramp above the water line, a lower boat ramp with eight boat launch lanes will be available. Hikers, bicyclists and equestrians can enjoy the Potter’s Ravine, North Fork and Dead Cow Ravine trails, which are accessible from the Spillway Boat Ramp facilities. The Day Use Area with picnic tables and restrooms is also open to the public.
As a reminder, the Spillway Boat Ramp area and parking lots are open to the public Friday through Sunday from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. The area remains closed Monday through Thursday, except for the Labor Day holiday, to accommodate ongoing construction. DWR plans to open the Spillway Boat Ramp seven days a week this fall once major construction activities are completed, although access may be restricted again once construction ramps back up in spring 2020.
For details, visit: https://water.ca.gov/News/News-Releases/2019/August-19/Lake-Oroville-Spillway-Boat-Ramp-Area-to-Remain-Open-for-Labor-Day.
Correction: Aug. 16 Update stated 720 for the lake level when the 12 boat launch lanes can no longer be used. It should have read 820 feet.
Noise Advisory for Visitors to Oroville DamVisitors to the Oroville Dam are advised that a testing device emitting occasional loud sounds will be in use until August 28 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Traffic delays over the spillway bridge may occur this weekend for several minutes while testing is taking place. This testing will provide DWR with data for assessments of the main spillway structures. Workers performing the testing will be visible at the site.
Construction Speed Limit Lifted on Oro Dam Boulevard EastButte County Public Works staff has returned Oro Dam Boulevard East to pre-construction speed limits between Glen Drive and Oro Powerhouse Road. Drivers are advised to be aware of roadway workers and to obey the newly posted speed limits.
Harmful Algal Bloom UpdateThere are currently no Harmful Algal Bloom advisories for Lake Oroville, the Thermalito Forebay, or the Thermalito Afterbay. If elevated levels of cyanobacteria toxins are found, DWR staff work with California’s Regional Water Quality Control Board and recreation area managers to notify the public and post advisory signs at affected waterbodies.
View the locations where harmful algal blooms have been reported, visit: https://mywaterquality.ca.gov/habs/where/freshwater_events.html.
Public Access to Top of DamWalkers, joggers and bicyclists continue to enjoy daily access to the pedestrian lane on the lakeside of Dam Crest Road from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., as well as parking at the Upper Overlook. For safety considerations, the public can only drive across Dam Crest Road in alignment with the operating hours of the Spillway Boat Ramp, which are Friday through Sunday from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Dam Crest Road is closed to public vehicle access Monday through Thursday to accommodate ongoing construction, excepting the Labor Day holiday on September 2.
For more information, visit: https://water.ca.gov/News/News-Releases/2019/June/Oroville-Dam-Crest-Road-Reopening-to-Public.
Fish Return to the Feather Fish HatcheryGood news, the Feather Fish Hatchery is now open! The young steelhead fish have been returned to the Feather River Fish Hatchery from the Thermalito Annex Complex in Oroville after routine maintenance and inspections to the facility. The fish ladder and ladder viewing window are anticipated to open on September 15.
Check out the news release for more details, at https://water.ca.gov/News/News-Releases/2019/July-19/Feather-River-Fish-Hatchery-to-Close-for-Maintenance.
Lake LevelThe current elevation of Oroville reservoir is 847 feet, and water releases from Hyatt Powerplant are approximately 10,100 cubic feet per second (cfs). Releases to the river from Lake Oroville supplement the natural flows of the Feather River to meet environmental needs, salinity standards, and south of Delta State Water Project exports. Coordinated releases from the federal Central Valley Project and the State Water Project from Lake Oroville help to balance conditions throughout the Sacramento Valley watershed.
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Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.

​For more information on local recreation, head to LakeOroville.net

August 8, 2019Lake Oroville Community UpdateSpillway Boat Ramp Reopening 
Oroville residents and visitors received great news today as the Department of Water Resources announced the reopening of the Spillway Boat Ramp area on Lake Oroville. Beginning Friday, August 9, the Spillway Boat Ramp area will be open to the public Friday through Sunday from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Boat Ramp area will remain closed Monday through Thursday as construction activities continue.
The Spillway Boat Ramp is the largest boat ramp facility at Lake Oroville with two stages of multi-lane boat ramps and a total of 20 launch lanes depending on lake levels. DWR has repaved the parking lot and portions of the boat ramp lanes to increase access. The area also includes the trailhead to a network of multi-use trails for hikers, bikers and equestrians.  
For details, visit: https://water.ca.gov/News/News-Releases/2019/August-19/Oroville-Dam-Spillway-Boat-Ramp-Reopening-to-Public.
Lake Level
The current elevation of Oroville reservoir is 864 feet, and water releases from Hyatt Powerplant are approximately 9,100 cubic feet per second (cfs). Releases to the river from Lake Oroville supplement the natural flows of the Feather River to meet environmental needs, salinity standards, and south of Delta State Water Project exports. Coordinated releases from the federal Central Valley Project and the State Water Project from Lake Oroville help to balance conditions throughout the Sacramento Valley watershed.
Public Access to Top of Dam
Walkers, joggers and bicyclists continue to enjoy access to the pedestrian lane on the lakeside of Dam Crest Road from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week, as well as parking at the Upper Overlook. For safety considerations, the public can only drive across Dam Crest Road in alignment with the operating hours of the Spillway Boat Ramp, which is Friday through Sunday from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Dam Crest Road is restricted from public vehicle access Monday through Thursday.
For more information, visit: https://water.ca.gov/News/News-Releases/2019/June/Oroville-Dam-Crest-Road-Reopening-to-Public. 
Fish Return to the Feather Fish Hatchery
The Feather River Fish Hatchery in Oroville has been closed for routine maintenance and inspections, requiring temporary relocation of young steelhead fish to the Thermalito Annex complex. The fish have been successfully returned to the Hatchery which will re-open to the public on August 15. 
Check out the news release for more details, at https://water.ca.gov/News/News-Releases/2019/July-19/Feather-River-Fish-Hatchery-to-Close-for-Maintenance.
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Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to oroville@water.ca.gov.

For more information on local recreation, head to LakeOroville.net.