DWR is gradually releasing water from the Lake Oroville flood control gates down the newly-constructed main spillway. DWR/2019
SACRAMENTO, Calif.–The Department of Water Resources (DWR) experts and federal and state regulators agree that the Oroville main spillway is performing as designed. In light of forecasted storms, DWR plans to increase releases from the Oroville main spillway and releases into the Feather River later this week.
The information below reflects current reservoir level estimates. Forecasts can change quickly and may affect the estimates provided.
- Current Oroville Reservoir Level: 854 feet elevation
- Current Releases from the Oroville Main Spillway: 10,800 cubic feet per second (cfs)
- Current Total Releases to the Feather River: approximately 20,000 cfs
- Planned Oroville Main Spillway Releases: up to 21,500 cfs starting Friday, April 5 at 10 a.m.
- Planned Total Releases to the Feather River: up to 30,000 cfs from Oroville facilities and other natural inflows starting Friday, April 5 at 10 a.m.
Oro Dam Blvd. East will remain open to pedestrian and vehicle traffic even with these increased flows. If flows from the main spillway exceed 30,000 cfs, the road will be closed to ensure public safety. However, credentialed media will still be provided access.
DWR has followed its standard process of notifying regulatory agencies, local law enforcement, and local elected officials regarding this change in operations. The Department will continue to update the public, media, and local partners through emails, news releases, and social media.
- Read news release from April 2: DWR Uses Oroville Main Spillway
- To sign up for community notifications, contact oroville@water.ca.gov
- Media should contact media@water.ca.gov to be added to DWR’s media list.
- View construction time-lapse video, additional construction videos and photos.
- California State Parks offers a live camera feed of the spillway. Feed availability may be disrupted at times due to network connection.
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Contact:
Erin Mellon, Assistant Director, Public Affairs Office, Department of Water Resources
916-704-5529 |erin.mellon@water.ca.gov