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