Update on Lake Oroville Operations - March 13, 2023
Water flows over the four energy dissipater blocks at the end of the Lake Oroville main spillway in Butte County. Photo taken March 10, 2023.
The Department of Water Resources (DWR) continues to release water from Oroville Dam to the Feather River for flood control protection to downstream communities. This morning, releases from the main spillway were increased to 15,200 cubic feet per second (cfs), which accounts for all current releases to the Feather River. As additional storms deliver more rain and snow this week to the Sierra, runoff inflows to Lake Oroville may range between 18,000 to 53,000 cfs. DWR will continue to adjust releases as needed.
The information below reflects current reservoir level estimates. Forecasts can change quickly and may affect the estimates provided.
- Current Oroville Reservoir Level: 841 feet elevation
- Current Total Releases to the Feather River: 15,200 cfs
- Current Releases from the Oroville Main Spillway: 15,200 cfs
The Lake Oroville reservoir is the largest storage facility in the State Water Project and supports environmental and water delivery needs to 27 million Californians and reduces flood risks to downstream communities. DWR continues to monitor lake levels, weather forecasts, and mountain snow levels to optimize operations for flood control, water storage and environmental protection while allowing for carryover storage into next year.