June 21, 2019
Oroville Operations Update
Lake Levels
Water releases from Hyatt Powerplant are approximately 4,009 cubic feet per second (cfs). The current elevation of Oroville reservoir is 895 feet. The Feather River watershed snowpack has mostly melted and use of the main spillway to manage lake levels is unlikely. However, if DWR determines that it is necessary to use the main spillway, in addition to Hyatt Powerplant, DWR will notify the public and media. 
A full reservoir is a welcome sight after years of drought and low lake levels to accommodate reconstruction. A filled lake provides optimal recreation opportunities and serves as a vital water bank account to help California cope with future drought conditions. It is common for the reservoir to stay relatively full during the summer months in an above average water year. In 2010 – 2011, another very wet year, the reservoir sat an elevation between 898 and 899 feet for the entire month of July.
DWR Reopening Public Access to Top of Oroville Dam
DWR plans to reopen public access to the top of the dam (Dam Crest Road) next Saturday, June 29 for pedestrians, bicyclists and persons with disabilities. The public will have 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 will not be able to drive across the top of the dam.
As part of the reopening, DWR staff will be up on the Dam Crest Road in the morning of the 29thto provide informational materials, answer questions and meet with the public.
DWR, California Highway Patrol and California State Parks are operating Dam Crest Road with new security measures to further ensure public safety at the facilities. Construction activity is ongoing in the area and construction vehicles will be using a portion of Dam Crest Road. Expect slower traffic and please obey all road and traffic signs. DWR has also contracted with the Butte County Sheriff’s Office for increased patrols of the Oroville facilities to ensure public safety. 
Spillway Boat Launch Ramp Reopening
Access to the Spillway Boat Launch ramp is anticipated to partially reopen in early August. More details to follow.
4th of July Celebration in Oroville
Oroville is always a great place to celebrate Fourth of July.  Several local partners including DWR, the Rotary Club of Oroville and California State Parks are hosting a firework show at the Thermalito North Forebay recreation area, as well as at the nearby Feather River Recreation and Park District's Nelson Sports Complex on July 4. Activities will start at the Sports Complex at 4 p.m. and continue through 8 p.m. The fireworks display will start 30 minutes after sunset. Follow the event’s Facebook page at Lake Oroville Fireworks for the latest information.
Update on Lake Oroville Algae Bloom
Algae is a natural component of water ecosystems yet certain conditions, including hot weather, can cause algae to grow rapidly causing “blooms” that may harbor harmful toxins.  DWR environmental scientists regularly test for toxins throughout the summer. The “Caution Advisory” for a ‘bloom’ in the Thermalito Afterbay has been lifted as microcystin levels have decreased. A "Caution Advisory" remains in effect for algae found in the upper reaches of Lake Oroville’s Middle Fork. Visitors to area waterways are advised to avoid algae or scum in the water which can be hazardous to pets and people, especially children. Watch for advisory notices which will be posted at all boat launch facilities and water recreation sites. For more information, visit California Water Boards website at https://mywaterquality.ca.gov/habs/index.html.
For more information, follow us on Twitter or Facebook and read our news releases and DWR updates.
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Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to [email protected].

​For more information on local recreation, visit LakeOroville.net.

June 14, 2019
​Oroville Operations UpdateMain Spillway
Due to late precipitation and based on inflows, DWR has taken steps to prepare for potential use of the main spillway.
Currently, lake levels are being managed with releases from Hyatt Powerplant.
If DWR determines that it is necessary to utilize the main spillway in addition to Hyatt Powerplant to manage lake levels, DWR will notify the public and media. In early April, DWR utilized the reconstructed main spillway to make additional releases from the Oroville reservoir and the spillway operated as designed.
Lake Levels
Water releases from Hyatt Powerplant are approximately 5,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). The current elevation of Oroville reservoir is 894 feet.
A full reservoir is a welcome sight after years of drought and low lake levels to accommodate reconstruction. A filled lake provides optimal recreation opportunities and serves as a vital water bank account to help California cope with future drought conditions. It is common for the reservoir to stay relatively full during the summer months in an above average water year. In 2010 – 2011, another very wet year, the reservoir sat an elevation between 898 and 899 feet for the entire month of July.
Ongoing Work on Dam Crest Road
DWR is aiming to reopen public access to the top of dam (Dam Crest Road) this summer. In anticipation of the public opening DWR crews began removing small panels from the dam crest roadside barriers that contain asbestos on Tuesday, June 11. This work is expected to last for two weeks. Crews will wear protective suits and respirators to clean the panels in accordance with state health and safety regulations. DWR will share reporting about this work with Butte County Air Quality Management District and California Air Resources Board.
4th of July Celebration in Oroville
Oroville is always a great place to celebrate Fourth of July.  The event is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Oroville and will be held at California State Park’s Thermalito North Forebay recreation area, as well as at the nearby Feather River Recreation and Park District's Nelson Sports Complex. Activities will start at the Sports Complex 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and the fireworks display will start 30 minutes after sunset.
DWR has partnered with CALFIRE/Butte County and State Parks to prepare for the event including conducting a Vegetation Management Project to remove dry grass from an area in the North Forebay. The controlled burn conducted on June 10 around the location of the fireworks launch area will prevent the possibility of the fireworks starting a wildfire.
Follow the event’s Facebook page at Lake Oroville Fireworks for the latest information.
For more information, follow us on Twitter or Facebook and read our news releases and DWR updates.
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Know someone who would like to receive Community Updates? They can email their request to [email protected].

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

The 9th Annual Olive Festival is coming up on Saturday, June 15! Enjoy the morning in the sun with live music, olive tastings, vendors, and free tours of the Ehmann Home.

Learn more by Clicking Here.

If you have any questions, you can contact the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce at (530) 538-2542 or email at [email protected].

The City of Oroville comes with a variety of lush parks perfect for those with families, pets, and a couple of unique interest.

Family Parks:
Centennial Plaza offers the perfect place for a picnic and stroll. This venue offers a beautiful overlook of the Feather River, shaded seating area, and local arts displays. Located at 1800 Arlin Rhine Memorial Drive.
Hammon Park is one of many parks that offers plenty of activities for the whole family. There is a playground for little ones and a basketball court to keep you active all morning. Located at 105 Hammon Park Drive.
Hewitt Park has two playgrounds, one for tots ages 1 to 6, and one for children ages 7 to 12. This large park also has four bocce ball courts, three horse shoe pits, two basketball courts, and plenty of seating areas to have a picnic after all that exercise. Located at 2101 Baldwin Avenue.
Rotary Park is nestled right on the edge of Historic Downtown Oroville. This well shaded area offers a picnic area, playground, basketball half court, and a softball backstop. Located at 1200 Safford Street.
Riverbend Park has been newly renovated this year with the finishing touches coming to their new amphitheater. This park hosts children's soccer tournaments, has several playgrounds and climbing structures, plenty of picnic areas, a disc golf course, and in the summer offers swimming areas in the Feather River (pictured above). Located at 60 Montgomery Street.
​Martin Luther King Jr. Park is also a large park with an amphitheater and a full sized soccer field. There is also a play area, picnic area, and plenty of green grass. Located at 2921 B Street.
Playtown Park contains a playground frequented by many families and is next to the Gary Nolan Baseball Complex. Located at 915 Pomona Street.

Special Interest Parks:
The Pat Alley Memorial Dog Park is off of the Feather River and just a short walk from Riverbend Park. Although re-construction is still happening at the fenced off areas meant for dogs, the walk down is still the perfect amount of exercise with an outstanding view for your favorite four-legged friend.
​The Oroville Skate Park is the perfect place for skateboard and scooter enthusiasts. The ramps and bowls will give you plenty of practice at your sport. This park is located next to Bedrock Park located off of the Feather River at 1101 5th Avenue.
For those visiting historical points of interest, the Veterans Memorial Park is the stop for you. This monument has been created to honor our local veterans of military service. Located at 2456 Montgomery Street in Historic Downtown Oroville.
​Lastly, if you have a group of friends looking for something to do the Combat Zone Paintball Park has a large set-up for a day of paintball, or an entire paintball party. Located at 4444 Pacific Heights Road.

Other Resources:
A few of these parks are maintained by the Feather River Recreation & Park District who has set up a volunteer organization called Park Watch. If you are a local who is interested in helping the community, they are always looking for volunteers.
The City of Oroville is also another main resource for parks and historical points of interest in Oroville.
If you have any other questions about these parks or the city of Oroville, please contact the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce at (530) 538-2542 or at [email protected].