DWR releases water from Oroville Dam as storms move into region

Robert Summa, Appeal-Democrat, Marysville, Calif.
·2 min read

Jan. 31—With two separate major storms hitting the region this week and through early next week, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) said on Wednesday that it began releasing water from Oroville Dam's main spillway for flood control protection.

Releases into the Feather River began at 8 a.m. Wednesday to allow for more storage space in Lake Oroville, officials said. DWR said it coordinated the release "closely" with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other water operators, with adjusted releases as needed as continuing rain and snowmelt affect the region.

As of Wednesday morning, the Oroville reservoir level was measured at 842 feet elevation with a storage capacity of 76%. Total releases into the Feather River were 12,000 cubic feet per second (cfs).

"Total releases to the Feather River amount to 12,000 cfs with 650 cfs being routed down the low-flow channel through the city of Oroville," DWR said. "An additional 11,350 cfs is being released from the Thermalito Afterbay River Outlet, located 5 miles downstream from Oroville. Feather River recreation users are advised to remain alert as river flows are expected to be swift and cold and may change based on projected weather forecasts."

The Lake Oroville reservoir is considered the largest storage facility in the State Water Project, officials said. It provides flood protection while supporting environmental and water delivery needs to millions of Californians.

"In 2023, Oroville Dam's main spillway passed over 2,370,000 acre-feet of water, 67% of Lake Oroville's capacity, with flows as high as 36,000 cfs," DWR said. "The main spillway continues to perform well and operate as designed. DWR continues to monitor lake levels, weather forecasts, and mountain snow levels to optimize water storage while allowing for carryover storage into next year."

As heavy rain moved into the area on Wednesday, more showers and thunderstorms were expected through early next week, according to the National Weather Service. Moderate to heavy rain was expected to continue through today with possible thunderstorms arriving on Friday.

"Moderate to heavy rain may lead to roadway ponding and minor flooding of poor drainage areas and small streams, creating difficult commute conditions and slick roads," the National Weather Service said. "... Gusty winds may cause downed tree limbs, localized power outages, and difficult driving conditions for high profile vehicles."

In the mountains, heavy amounts of snow were expected Wednesday night through this afternoon with snow rates of 1-2 inches per hour, according to the National Weather Service.

A brief break in the storms was predicted for Saturday with moderate to heavy rain expected again starting Sunday. Major amounts of snowfall in higher elevations were forecast to resume, as well, on Sunday and last until at least Monday, according to the National Weather Service.